A TEAM of footballers from the Tyne Valley is preparing for its third game against professional stars in the making – in aid of a good cause.

Players associated with football in Prudhoe will again form a Prudhoe United team which takes on opponents from Sunderland’s U23 team, with the Bob Stokoe Shield up for grabs.

Friday’s game at Prudhoe Town’s Kimberly Park stadium will be the third instalment of the competition, named after the former Newcastle United and Sunderland player who was born and raised in Mickley, with Sunderland winning both previous encounters.

Again, all proceeds from the match, to kick off at 6.30pm, will go to Prudhoe hospital Ferndene, which cares for young people with mental health difficulties and learning disabilities. The previous two matches have raised thousands of pounds for the hospital which has gone towards the development of woodland next to Ferndene to provide physical activities and mindful space for its users.

Sunderland and Ferndene enjoy a great relationship as the professional club uses the hospital’s sports hall to train its U12 academy players from the Tyne Valley. Tickets are available from Ferndene, Prudhoe Town FC and Prudhoe Town Council Centre or at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bob-stokoe-shield-football-fundraiser-tickets-58279354117.