Next week, on Saturday 14th June, we make the trip up Halifax Road to face MND Awareness FC, in a fixture dedicated to the late Lee Farrar, who was, unfortunately, one of many victims of MND. MND stands for Motor Neuron Disease, a group of progressive neurological disorders that damage motor neurons, the cells that control muscle movement.

Lee Farrar, known as the MND Warrior, shared his story with the world in this documentary. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emnKXSieBrk . Lee was a truly remarkable person, we are truly honoured to be able to walk out in his honour and have a good, spirited game of football, just as he would have loved.

Leeds Central play their home games at Armley Park. They have, in fact, previously played two charity matches, the first of which was against Supporting Charities at Trinity Academy Halifax, in a 16-0 defeat. The score was 8-0 at half-time. Man of the Match was awarded to Michael Daley. Their second, and most recent, charity match was against Comic at South Craven School. They only brought 9 men to this game, however it ended in a respectable 6-3 defeat considering the scenario presented. The score was 3-2 to Comic at half-time. Goalscorers were Ibraheem Yusuf twice, and Jack Wilson. Assists came from Damarni Wiltshire, Ewan McKinnon, and Michael Daley. Man of the Match was shared by Damarni Wiltshire and Jack Wilson.

MND Awareness play their home games at The Hunters Stadium, home of Pontefract Collieries. This pitch is currently under maintenance, so The Lee Farrar Fixture is being played at a neutral venue. Their first ever game was a 6-2 win at FC United of Manchester against a Manchester United fan club. Their second game was a 5-1 loss at Pontefract Collieries against David Rudman (the team, not the person.) Their third game was a 5-1 loss at Dodsworth Miners Welfare against Men For Mind. They have not played since, but this weekend they travel to The VestaCare Stadium in Oldham, facing TRA Manchester. They have had various celebrities and ex-pros playing for them over their time as a charity team.

Leeds Central score an average of 4.8 goals per game, conceding an average of 6.8 goals per game. The LCFC Player to Watch is Ibraheem Yusuf, who bagged 49 goals and 32 assists for the Blues in 2023/24. He currently plays for Brighouse Town and Libya's WIOC squad.

MND Awareness score an average of 2.67 goals per game, conceding an average of 4 goals per game. The MNDA Player to Watch is Chris Dawson, formerly of Leeds United and Wales U21. He currently plays for Emley.

This will be a great viewing for all neutrals, with star power in every corner of the pitch, all for a good cause! Tickets are pay at the door only, £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for children. All proceedings go to the MNDA Charity Commission, raising awareness and improving research on Motor Neuron Disease.