Victoria Park Charity Shield Returns to Support Three Local Causes
Three local charities hope to raise vital funds and awareness of their causes when they join forces this autumn as Victoria Park’s Charity Shield returns for its second year on Sunday 4 October 2026.
Following the success of the inaugural event in 2025, this year’s tournament will raise funds for the Mike Thomas Fund, Guernsey Motor Neurone and Bowel Cancer Guernsey, with proceeds from the day shared between the three charities.
Open to all, islanders are once again being invited to ‘Kick for a Cause’, bringing 7-a-side teams together for a day of friendly competition at Guernsey’s Home of Football. As part of their £500 entry fee, each team will receive a charity football shirt, and all match-day proceeds will go directly to the three charities.
The tournament will kick off at 10.30am, with teams competing throughout the day ahead of the trophy presentation at 4pm.
Alongside the football, Victoria Park will once again provide a welcoming setting for supporters, families and members of the wider community to get behind the teams and charities.
Nick Graham, Chairman of Victoria Park Steering Committee, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Charity Shield back to Victoria Park for a second year. The inaugural tournament showed just how powerful football can be in bringing people together, and we’re proud to build on that success by supporting three causes that each make an important contribution to our island community.
“Victoria Park was created to be much more than a home for football; we want it to be a place that brings the community together and can make a positive difference beyond the pitch. The Charity Shield captures that perfectly - a day of friendly competition, great fun and, most importantly, an opportunity to raise valuable funds and awareness for three very deserving local charities.
“We hope teams, supporters and families will get behind this year’s event and help us make the 2026 Charity Shield another fantastic day for Guernsey.”
Tony Vance, speaking on behalf of the Mike Thomas Fund, said: “The Mike Thomas Fund has always been an initiative close to my heart, not only because he was such a special friend, but also because it is hugely relevant given the service and personal support he gave to injured players at Guernsey FC.
“Being part of the Victoria Park charity football tournament, where Guernsey FC resides, feels particularly fitting. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Mike’s legacy while raising funds that can make a genuine difference to those Guernsey FC players facing difficult circumstances.”
Date:
Sunday 4 October 2026
Timings:
09:30 - Gates open
10:30 - Kick-off
16:00 - Trophy presentation
Entry fee:
£500.00 per 7-a-side team, including charity football shirt for each player.
About The Charities
The Mike Thomas Fund was established in memory of former Guernsey FC physiotherapist Mike Thomas, who was an integral part of the club from its early years and a highly respected member of Guernsey’s football community.
Following his death in 2015, the Fund was created to support Guernsey FC players experiencing financial hardship, particularly where a football-related injury affects their ability to work. The Mike Thomas Memorial Trophy also helps to raise funds while celebrating Mike’s contribution to the club and his enduring legacy within island football.
Guernsey Motor Neurone (GMN) is a registered charity offering care and support for people living with the disease, their families and carers within the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
The charity works with the island’s health professionals to provide equipment, practical and emotional support and advice to anyone diagnosed with MND. Although independent of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, GMN also provides occasional funding for specific research projects.
Its aim is to provide community support of the highest standard to make life for those living with MND safer, more stable and supported.
Bowel Cancer Guernsey, established in 2001, is a charity dedicated to enhancing awareness, prevention and diagnosis of bowel cancer in the Bailiwick.
With approximately 50 to 55 new cases annually, bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in Guernsey after skin cancer. More than 90% of those diagnosed with early-stage bowel cancer can be successfully treated if detected early.
The committee organises a series of events each year to raise funds and awareness of bowel cancer. Money raised is spent locally on specialised equipment and educational initiatives.
For more information about the Victoria Park Charity Shield and to register a team, email [email protected].
