Manchester Remembers charity football match cancelled as organisers announce closure of foundation

Saturday, 3 May 2025 10:44

By David Murphy

The upcoming Manchester Remembers charity football match, due to take place at Gigg Lane on 14 June 2025, has been cancelled. Organisers have also announced the permanent closure of the Manchester Remembers Foundation.

In a heartfelt public statement, co-founders Aaron and Paul said the decision had not been taken lightly. “It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the immediate cancellation of the upcoming Manchester Remembers event for 2025 and subsequently the closure of the Manchester Remembers Foundation permanently,” they wrote.

The match was established to honour the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and had, over several years, raised nearly £200,000 for charities supporting young people in music, sport, and the arts. The foundation cited a lack of sustained support from influential figures and leadership in Manchester as the reason the event could no longer continue.

“Over the past several months, it’s been no secret that we’ve struggled with the support needed to maintain and grow our uniquely special event,” the statement read. “Influential people needed to carry the event forward in the names of everyone affected by the Manchester Arena attack of 2017. Sadly that support has not been forthcoming.”

The announcement paid tribute to the sponsors, players, managers and media figures who helped the foundation grow over the years, as well as clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United, Oldham Athletic and Bury FC. “We can’t thank you enough for believing in us and what we were trying to achieve,” they added.

The organisers also reflected on the personal toll of running the annual event, with up to 11 months of preparation going into each match. “This has been to the detriment of our own health... but we are and will always be so incredibly proud to say with your support we did something beautiful and fitting of our great city and those we lost in that cowardly disgusting attack.”

All tickets purchased for the 2025 fixture will be fully refunded.

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