On Sunday 29 March, transplanted footballers from across the UK will compete in the third national Transplant Sport football tournament at the West Midlands club, Solihull Moors FC.
Aiming to promote football within the transplant community and demonstrate the ability and safety for transplant recipients to participate in football at all levels, this year’s tournament follows two successful competitions in Oxfordshire.
The tournament will also act as the selection process of the squad that will go on to represent Transplant Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland (GB&NI) at the first ever Transplant World Cup, due to take place in Italy in September 2020.
Transplant Sport is the largest UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of the lifesaving benefits of organ donation and the importance of remaining active and healthy post-transplant. All the competitors taking part in the football tournament have had kidney, pancreas, heart, liver, lung or bone marrow transplants.
Daley Cross, Transplant Sport Football Representative and Team GB&NI Football Manager, said: “We’re really excited to be running a third national competition at Solihull Moors FC and are very grateful to the club for their support and their fantastic facilities. We’ve been astounded by the number of competitors who have registered their interest so far, demonstrating the passion for football amongst the transplant community.
“Bringing this tournament to such a central location is a fantastic opportunity to promote greater awareness and understanding of the importance of organ donation and hopefully save more lives. Many of the athletes have experienced near death situations, long-term complications and illness and it is wonderful to see them able to enjoy life thanks to organ donation. Of course, there is also huge excitement for the upcoming first ever Transplant World Cup. We’re so proud to be able to give these athletes a chance to represent their country at an international level.”
More than 6,500 people in the UK are currently waiting for a transplant and sadly, three people die waiting every day. With the Law around organ donation due to change in England from 20 May 2020, all adults in England will be considered an organ donor, in a new ‘opt out’ system. However it is still more important than ever to talk and share your wishes with your family.
Paul Harden, Chairman of Transplant Sport and Transplant Consultant at The Churchill Hospital, Oxford says: “Transplant Sport aims to raise awareness of the need for organ donation in the UK by organising sporting and social events for those who have received a transplant. I hope as many people as possible will attend this event and show their support for these incredible athletes and discuss their organ donation wishes with their loved ones.”
Members of the public are welcome to spectate at the football tournament for free. For more details about the event, Transplant Sport and the impact sport and activity can have on transplant recipients, visit: www.transplantsport.org.uk
Join the organ donation on social media at @TransplantSport using #ShareYourWishes and #PassItOn
