Fundraising game draws top players
A NUMBER of former Premier League and Football League players are joining forces to raise money in memory of Daniel Sirrell.
The 21-year-old died on holiday with friends in mid-May when he drowned in an Amsterdam canal.
Sirrell was a popular figure at East Durham College and played for Wearside League club Harton and Westoe.
Now his former team-mates will face a team of former professional footballers to raise money in his name.
The likes of former Sunderland stars Darren Holloway and Darren Williams and former Newcastle United and England defender Steve Howey will all face the Wearside League club today.
The match has special signifiance for Holloway, who got to know Sirrell over the last four years in his time with the college.
“Daniel was one of my students and was a prominent member of the team I coach,” said the former Black Cats defender.
“I have known him for a few years and he was a great lad and a very good player.
“He was quick, direct, clever on the ball and he was always a thorn in the side for any defenders of the opposition side.
“It will be an emotional day but one that will help us honour him and raise money in his name.
“We have former Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Montgomery as guest of honour and he will be handing of medals after the game.
“It is a family fun day and there will be events going on but obviously the football will be the main attraction.
“There are a number of former players getting involved and hopefully we can all do Daniel proud”.
The game kicks off at 2pm at East Durham College’s Peterlee campus.
Doors open at midday and tickets are £3 for adults and £1 for children.