Motherwell v Manchester Utd XI
Friday, 07 August 2009
Lanarkshire hosts match to commemorate Sir Matt Busby
North and South Lanarkshire Councils today (Friday 7th August 2009) launched the Sir Matt Busby Shield at Fir Park Stadium, Motherwell.
The event will see Motherwell host a Manchester United XI squad at Fir Park on Sunday 6th September to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of Sir Matt Busby's birth.
As the match will be taking place on an international weekend there will be a number of players on international duty however this will ensure that the Manchester United squad is reflective of the squad that Sir Matt was so famous for - The Busby Babes, with the squad expected to feature a number of Manchester United's aspiring young players.
A Manchester United club spokesman confirmed this by saying: “As the match will be played on a FIFA designated international weekend none of Manchester United’s international players will be available but the club is committed to bringing its strongest reserve squad to Motherwell for the special challenge match and looks forward to a competitive game to mark such an important occasion. The squad for the game will be announced by the club during the week of the match itself.”
Also announced today was the launch of the Sir Matt Busby Scholarship programme. This is a scheme that will allow adults and youths within the Lanarkshire community to take the first steps in emulating Sir Matt by providing them with free coach education. All profits generated from the Sir Matt Busby Shield will be invested into the scholarship.
Providing his support, the Manager of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson said:
“Manchester United is delighted that Lanarkshire, the area where Sir Matt Busby was born 100 years ago, has decided to honour him by the introduction of a scholarship scheme in his memory.
“Manchester United’s status in world football is rooted in the achievements of Sir Matt in bringing domestic and European glory to the club and in doing so in the face of one of the greatest tragedies experienced by any club in the history of the game.
“Sir Matt Busby will always be revered by this club and his memory will always be cherished by those millions who support Manchester United across the globe.
It is fitting therefore that the club should participate in the forthcoming friendly fixture with Motherwell which has, as its singular purpose, the raising of funds to support the work of Lanarkshire Council in establishing the Sir Matt Busby Scholarship Fund.”
In attendance at the launch were members of North and South Lanarkshire Councils, who are jointly funding the match. They were joined by John Boyle and Jim Gannon from Motherwell and Sir Matt Busby’s son, Sandy.
Motherwell Chairman John Boyle added to Sir Alex’s comments by saying:
"Motherwell Football Club is delighted to be involved in this hugely exciting Matt Busby scholarship initiative.
“The club is at the heart of Lanarkshire's footballing heritage and is known for and committed to nurturing young talent, borne out by the number of young players in our current squad.
"We look forward to an exciting match with Manchester United to launch this programme which will benefit Lanarkshire in so many ways."
It is hoped that the match will also profile Lanarkshire’s vast footballing heritage and pedigree, and also encourage people to visit the area from within Scotland, from Manchester and even further afield.
Commenting on the event and the benefit it will bring to Lanarkshire, Mark Calpin, Chair of the Lanarkshire Tourism Marketing Partnership, said:
“Matt Busby must be one of the World’s most recognisable football names. Having been born and raised in the Bellshill area of Lanarkshire he achieved world-wide fame as the manager of Manchester United.
“It is a great honour to welcome members of the Manchester United squad to Lanarkshire to play against Motherwell in the Sir Matt Busby Shield, recognising the 100th anniversary of his birth and commemorating Sir Matt by establishing a scholarship programme in his name. “
“We hope the match will attract people from all across Scotland, from the Manchester area, and perhaps even further afield, and we are sure that everyone will have a great time.
"Their visit to Lanarkshire will give them an insight into Sir Matt’s roots and will be a great chance for us to showcase the outstanding visitor attractions and facilities which Lanarkshire boasts. It will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore some of Lanarkshire’s hidden gems and also provide a huge boost to the local economy and tourism industry.”
Regardless of the eventual outcome of the match, the event and scholarship programme are sure to recognise the role that Lanarkshire and specifically Sir Matt Busby played in developing the sport of football and the influence he had and continues to have at the world’s biggest club, Manchester United.
Tickets are now on sale for the match and can be purchased via the event website or at the Motherwell FC Ticket Office. Tickets for the game will be priced at £12 for adults, £6 for juveniles and £20 for a family ticket (1 x adult and 2 x children) - Please note family tickets are only available, in person, from Fir Park.
The website also contains further information about the match, a feature on Sir Matt Busby and some special offers for anyone traveling to the match.
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http://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1119&Itemid=133