Wardleworth Football Club supporting Azeem Amir

Teams for the charity football match

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Wardleworth Football Club held a charity football match on Sunday (14 August) to support teenager Azeem Amir, who will be tackling the Tough Mudder challenge in aid of Manchester Royal Eye Hospital on 10 September.

Azeem will be the youngest blind person in the world to participate in the Tough Mudder challenge, which is described as 'a 12-mile mud and obstacle course designed to drag you out of your comfort zone by testing your physical strength, stamina, and mental grit.'

Saeed Ahmed took charge of the 'A Team' and Azmat Kahn led the opposition 'B Team' in the charity match game which was played at a good tempo and in great spirit.

An even first half ended goalless as the defences dominated, but a few half time substitutions led to B Team substitute Hamza Khan breaking into the area and being upended by the goalkeeper.

A penalty was awarded which Arfan Ali confidently converted, sending ‘keeper Phil the wrong way to give the B Teamthe lead.

The A Team re-grouped and created a hatful of chances but couldn’t score until they reintroduced Auwais in the final ten minutes. The substitute made an impact as he found Nabeel Akram with a delightful through ball, who then expertly dinked the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper to equalise.

As the B Team grew tired, A Team captain Shamas evaded a few challenges and released Umar Malik, who buried the ball into the bottom corner with a powerful strike.

That was enough to seal the victory for the A Team.

Azeem thanked all involved in the game and said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the game with some amazing lads. The quality of the play was really high and I really admire the set up here, it's a really good organisation.

“The gesture shown by the club to hold such an event has been amazing and the amount of money that has been raised has blown me away. Thank you to the Wardleworth FC family."

Ibrar Khan, who played in the game, said of Azeem: “He is a true inspiration to everyone at the club.”

Saeed and Azmat applauded the turn out, efforts and donations by players and spectators. They also thanked ex-Wardleworth chairman, Al Kahn, for officiating the game.

So far, the club has raised over £500 from player and spectator donations, and is taking donations until Wednesday (17 August).

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AzeemsToughMudder