Doncaster Rovers quartet set for charity padel event - but Billy Sharp playing for Yorkshire rivals
A clutch of Doncaster Rovers players are set to take part in a padel extravaganza in aid of charity next month.
Skipper Owen Bailey will lead the Rovers contingent - that also includes Jordan Gibson, James Maxwell and Tom Nixon - against teams representing Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United, Barnsley, Rotherham United and Leeds United. The tournament will raise vital funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity and their Rochelle Baxter Fund, which contributes to the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service.
Each team will be represented by four former or current players. Intriguingly, Rovers striker Billy Sharp - who recently announced he'll be leaving the club this summer - will be competing for his beloved Blades team on the day.
Organisers say the event promises an intimate and high-energy padel experience for fans, showcasing the sport in a unique and vibrant setting. Padel – a combination of tennis, squash and racketball - has been described as the 'world's fastest-growing sport' as it soars in popularity.
Only 200 tickets will be made available to the general public, raising funds for Weston Park Cancer Charity. The tournament will be covered by local and national press, music by a live DJ, a live auction and opportunities for sponsors and prize winners to utilise the courts post tournament.
Liz Purnell, Teenage Cancer Unit Lead Nurse said “The support the Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Service receives from Weston Park Cancer Charity allows us to provide support and care to patients over and above funded NHS treatments. The flexible access to this fund allows the TYA team the opportunity to offer hardship grants, peer support, residential trips, as well as activities for patients attending the hospital for their treatments.
“This funding provides patients with the opportunity to access support that isn't available through the NHS, and is tailored to each patient’s individual needs, helping them to better deal with the unique challenges of a cancer diagnosis at a young age."
“Weston Park Cancer Charity are very grateful for the fundraising and awareness FC Padel are providing this Teenage Cancer Awareness Month."
The tournament takes place from 5pm until 8.30pm on Tuesday, May 5 at Sheffield’s Club De Padel on Boyland Street. Tickets to watch the clubs go at it cost £10, with all money going to WPH Teenage Unit. Watch the matches, support your team and meet the players! You can secure your ticket HERE.