Inaugural Offside Trust Trophy Final

Diss Town will host the first ever Offside Trust Trophy Final on Sunday 29 May, with kick off at 2pm. The fixture is free to attend for all spectators.

The game will take place between the winners of the top Division in the Bury & District Sunday League (BDSL), Moreton Hall Ferals, and the winners of the top Division in the Norfolk & District Sunday League (NDSL), Easton. The game is sure to be an exciting day of Sunday league action with all proceeds going towards the work of The Offside Trust.

Gabriel Evbota, Chairman of the NDSL, has high hopes for the event and envisages having the fixture as an annual competition:

“What we are hoping to see is large number of local grassroots football fans in attendance witnessing a competitive match between two very good teams from [the] respective leagues but most of all; the ability to raise money for such a wonderful cause, The Offside Trust, who are helping to raise awareness of the importance of safeguarding across all sports at all levels. Hopefully this will be an annual event.”

The Offside Trust focuses upon raising awareness upon abuse within sport. It’s aims are to speak out about the importance of safeguarding across sport, provide survivors of abuse with guidance and resources, and campaign for legal and regulatory change to improve safeguarding within sport. In short, The Offside Trust is run by survivors for survivors aiming to aid individuals with their journey to heal from abuse suffered while playing the sport they love.

Speaking on behalf of The Offside Trust, Alan Arber, an ambassador for The Offside Trust, commented upon the importance of utilising local sport as a vehicle to promote the significance of safeguarding within sport:

“It’s vital after the many recent cases that have been reported all over the country that we never lose fact that abuse predators in non-league football are still committing dreadful offences and acts of abuse on children and adults of all ages.”

For relevant safeguarding advice and support, please click here.

For further information about The Offside Trust and the work they carry out, please click here.

In terms of the teams playing this historic fixture, Easton will be taking on Moreton Hall Ferals in a one-off game at Brewers Green Lane.

Moreton Hall have a rich history, winning the Division One of BDSL twice, and the BDSL League Cup five times in total. They will be looking to add the Offside Trust Trophy to their cabinet this month.

Their season has been incredible, with a league and cup double. In the league, the Ferals have cruised to a comfortable victory sitting 13 points clear of runners up, Barrow FC, and losing only one of their 17 fixtures thus far. With games still to play, the team look to carry on their excellent form and continue their 6-game winning streak.

Their opposition, Easton, are also no strangers to glory, with five promotions in as many seasons. The team have had a fantastic campaign, winning the NDSL Premiership on goal difference. They picked up vital points early in the season with a 4-2 win over AFC Norwich in November, and a recent 4-1 win over Acle Rangers.

The fixture is sure to be a crowd-pleaser as it hopes to be a showcase of the very best of Sunday league football, while demonstrating the importance of raising awareness of The Offside Trust and the work they carry out.

Chairman of the BDSL, Mark Stiff, expressed his excitement for the day commenting that he is looking forward to “seeing and showing that that grassroots football is alive and kicking!” as well as highlighting that “such events as this can help others on and off the pitch.”

Football is everyone’s game, and The Offside Trust aims to ensure that all can enjoy the sport safely and without fear.