Stagecoach Manchester and Merseyside Unite for Charity Football Match and Family Fun Day

Stagecoach Manchester and Merseyside colleagues will go head-to-head this October in a charity football match and family fun day, raising funds for Scotty's Little Soldiers.

The Stagecoach Bus Charity Football Match will take place on Sunday 11th October 2026 at Chorley FC's Victory Park Stadium, with gates opening at 1pm ahead of a 3pm kick-off.

The event will see colleagues from Stagecoach Manchester and Merseyside battle it out on the pitch, while raising vital funds for Scotty's Little Soldiers, the charity dedicated to supporting children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent serving in the British Armed Forces.

David Vosper, Assistant Engineering Manager at Stagecoach Merseyside and the organiser behind the event, said: "What started as an idea for a football match between our Manchester and Merseyside teams has grown into a fantastic family fun day supporting Scotty's Little Soldiers. We're proud to be raising money for such a worthwhile cause and hope colleagues, supporters and members of the public will join us for what promises to be a great day while helping make a real difference."

Open to all, the day promises to be much more than just a football match. Organisers are planning a family-friendly event that celebrates community spirit while honouring those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces.

Visitors can enjoy:

• A competitive football match between Stagecoach Manchester and Stagecoach Merseyside teams
• Military and cadet presence throughout the day
• Armed Forces recruitment and engagement stands
• Poppy Bus and Military vehicles on display
• Food and drink facilities
• Family entertainment and activities
• Opportunities to support Scotty's Little Soldiers through donations, sponsorship and fundraising initiatives.

The event is expected to attract colleagues from across the business, veterans' groups, military supporters and local communities from across the North West.

Admission prices have been deliberately kept affordable to encourage as many people as possible to attend and support the cause, with entry costing just:

• £3 for adults  |  £2 for children under 16

Held at Chorley FC's Victory Park Stadium, the event will bring colleagues, supporters and local communities together for a day of football, family entertainment and fundraising.

As well as helping to raise important funds, the charity match will showcase Stagecoach's commitment to supporting local communities, veterans and military charities, while highlighting the strong team spirit that exists across the business.

Whether you're cheering on Manchester, backing Merseyside or simply supporting a fantastic cause, everyone is welcome to attend.

Event Details...

Stagecoach Bus Charity Football Match - Manchester vs Merseyside

📅 Sunday 11th October 2026
📍 Chorley FC, Victory Park Stadium, PR7 3DU
🚪 Gates Open: 1:00pm
⚽ Kick-Off: 3:00pm
🎟️ Admission: £3 Adults | £2 Children (Under 16)

Join us as we come together to support Scotty's | The Military Bereavement Charity, raising vital funds for an incredible cause and enjoy a memorable day of football, family fun and community spirit.

Find out more about the charity here.