On Thursday February 19th, Yorkshire Phoenix joined Football League club Rotherham United in a Comic Relief fundraiser at Parkgate Retail World in Rotherham.
A really successful afternoon saw numerous fans of all ages visit the event to have their picture taken with the Rotherham players and get their autographs. There was also face painting and a life sized game of Operation.
The kids really enjoyed playing Subbuteo against each other and the players, with Phoenix players coaching them. Some of the Rotherham players really got into playing !
Rotherham player Stephen Brogan took on all comers !
Phoenix players Martin Hodds, Gary Pearson and Richard Pepper with Rotherham United Commercial Manager Rachel Bateson and Steve the TK Maxx store manager
Dale looks shocked that Gary’s on the attack !
Rotherham’s Dale Tonge takes on Phoenix’s Gary Pearson
ESTFA Chairman Martin Hodds – in conjunction with comedian and broadcaster Arthur Smith – was interviewed live by John Humphrys on Radio 4’s Today Programme on Monday 3rd November.
The feature was generated by Paul Willetts’ new book ‘Teenage Flicks’ which recounts various celebrities’ memories of subbuteo, together with recreating some classic football photos using subbuteo players ! It’s fair to say Messrs Humphrys & Smith didn’t take the game too seriously, but it was a lighthearted interview which hopefully will generate more interest in the game.