Stoke Hub kick off in style

Murray MacGregor – Thursday 13^th August 2020 – 10.00am.

With football well and truly back, the West Midlands Ambulance Service team from Stoke Hub are set to take part in a new emergency services football league at a new stadium and in new kit.

The team will be playing their fixtures at the Emerys Stadium in Smallthorne, which is also the home of Stoke City Ladies FC.

Although the coronavirus pandemic put training on hold for a few weeks, the squad, which has been playing together for over 10 years, is stronger than it has ever been.

This year, they are delighted to be playing at a new ground. Jonathan Goodwin, general manager of Emerys, said: “We like to support local people – especially those who are making a difference and supporting others in the community.”

As well as the support of a new ground, the team will be starting their season in a new strip, sponsored by Stafford based inflatable and aerial marketing company Bloon.

WMAS Stoke FC Manager, Paramedic Matt Harrison, said: “We’re very grateful to Mick Clewes, who is Chair of the ground, for his support. I met Mick when a colleague supported him through a medical emergency and he offered the club’s services for our home ground.

“Emerys sponsorship, along with that from our kit sponsor Bloon will give us an identity this year, making us feel part of a team as well as taking us to a higher level with our fundraising support for the community.”

Over the last ten years, the team has raised over £50,000 for charity including raising money in memory of midwife Samantha Eastwood and Phil Nadine who was a staff nurse in A & E at Royal Stoke University Hospital.

Matt added: “The team gives staff at Stoke Hub the chance to socialise and focus on something outside of work, with the importance of fitness as well.

“Training has been going well ahead of our first match on 1st September.”