MEMBERS of Manchester City ‘Old Boys’ football team helped to launch a charity football match in aid of Victim Support, the national charity for victims of crime.

The match will be held on May 10 at Hyde FC’s ground between a team of former Manchester City players and a combined team of local celebs, leading criminal justice and police staff and community volunteers.

The teams will be competing for the Linzi Ashton Memorial Cup, in honour of Linzi Ashton who lost her life to domestic violence homicide in 2013 following the injuries sustained from her physically abusive partner at the time.

The Manchester City Old Boys will be managed on the day by former Macclesfied Town manager Derek Partridge, while the criminal justice staff will be drafting in the support of leading police staff such as ACC Garry Shewan.

Tickets went on sale to the public for £5 after the official launch last week with all proceeds going to victims of domestic violence.

For tickets, contact Angela Stewart of Victim Support on 0161 968 4986. Alternatively, tickets can be requested by contacting angela.stewart@victimsupport.org.uk or connecting via Twitter at @VS_Manchester Food will be available at the ground and a full match day programme will be provided.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Victim Support’s patron of this campaign to tackle domestic violence, former Happy Mondays singer Rowetta said: “I lived with domestic violence and for a long time, it felt like there was no way out for me or my children, we were drowning in it.

“Victims need to know about organisations such as Victim Support, that are there to help; they need to trust the police and report domestic violence”.

Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd will be at the game. He added: “This represents a great opportunity to bring together a range of services, local police, community volunteers and celebrities throughout Greater Manchester to raise the issue of domestic violence, particularly during events such as the World Cup when passions in the home are running high.

“Everyone remembers the tragic case of Linzi Ashton, and to be able to compete for a trophy in her honour is a fitting gesture on behalf of everyone involved.”

Pictured at the even launch are, from left, are Alan Grafton OBE (community worker and leading on community engagement on behalf of Man City), Peter Barnes (former Man City and Man Utd player), Rowetta (Happy Mondays singer and patron of domestic violence campaign), Tommy Booth (former Man City player), Tony Lloyd GMPCC, Derek Partridge (Man City old boys manager, former Macclesfield Town Manager and former chief scout for Man City) and Mike Summerbee (former City legend).