Moulsford Staff v Grenfell Athletic Football Match

A new initiative giving hope to Grenfell Tower survivors and helpers

The Moulsford staff thoroughly enjoyed hosting the newly-formed Grenfell Athletic Football Club on Sunday morning, for their first warm up friendly match before starting in the leagues for the first time next week. It was a genuine pleasure to host them and to play a memorable match, which we now very much hope will become an annual event.

Each team had around 14 players, to allow for substitutions and to try out different formations (which I think only the opposition truly grasped!)​. There was a wonderful turn out from the Moulsford staff, with many people helping with the BBQ and serving coffees. A huge thank you to all of the people who worked so hard preparing for the event, those who helped during the morning, the skilful players and to Ben Beardmore-Gray who was referee.

Grenfell went away deserved winners, with the match finishing 5 goals to 2, but the Moulsford staff played well and thoroughly enjoyed their morning.

Grenfell AFC has been formed with the help of The Rugby Portobello Trust (RPT), which is a charity whose offices are based near the foot of the Grenfell Tower, which was so tragically engulfed by flames on 14^th June 2017.  The team’s formation is a long-term project for the community, using the facilities and resources of the RPT.  Its aim is to support survivors from Grenfell as well as RPT helpers in a positive way, promoting a healthy lifestyle and offering an opportunity for players to socialise and have a change of scene from the local area for Away matches. 

The Rugby Portobello Trust’s (www.rugbyportobello.org.uk) aim is to help local young people to build their community by providing facilities, skills, activities and guidance that promote a stable society in a deprived area.  From Day One of the Grenfell disaster, it has been providing a safe space for those affected.

We wish Grenfell AFC all the very best of luck with their league starting on 17^th September and look forward to following their success, as well as a re-match next year!