The Women’s World Cup Final isn’t the ONLY football match taking place this Sunday. Tom Vosper is once again organising the David Vosper Charity Football Trophy in memory of his dad, raising money for Big C Cancer Charity in Norfolk. Here, he shares the story behind the tournament
What is the David Vosper Charity Football Trophy and how long have you been organising it?
The David Vosper Trophy is a charity 11-a-side football tournament taking place each year to raise money for Big C cancer charity in Norfolk. This year will be the fifth time I have organised it, the first being in 2016. For the first time, the tournament will be help in Mulbarton on Mulberry Park.
What would you like to say about your dad?
I was very close with my dad. He was a great man with a brilliant sense of humour and would help anyone in any way he could. We both shared a passion for football and because he was a Torquay United fan, I became one too. We travelled all over the country to see Torquay play, from Wembley and Old Trafford for play off finals, to North Ferriby and Guiseley for random Saturday matches. That is one of the things I miss most. Because he was such a football fan, I wanted to organise a football tournament for each summer. Luckily, for the first tournament, he was there to watch. He sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2017 and the tournament became The David Vosper Trophy.
Is the organising of the event very much a family affair?
It certainly is. The day wouldn’t be a success without my Mum, my girlfriend and her family, as well as my sister and her boyfriend. Every year they all help by running the BBQ, making and selling cakes and drinks, helping to set up and tidy up at the end of the day. My friends are also amazing, every year they are on hand to help and play for my team on the day, I really couldn’t do it without any of them. Plus, the tournament would be nothing without all the players who donate to play each year!
What is it about the Big C cancer charity in particular?
I wanted to raise money for a local cancer charity and the Big C was the perfect one. They do fantastic work to help people when they most need it, and they offer such a range of support that raising money for them made a lot of sense. I was lucky enough to visit the centre at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital to see first-hand the great things they do. Not only does the money raised let them help more individuals with cancer, but it also lets them continue to do a lot of amazing research too.
Where does all the action take place and what can people expect on the day? How many teams take part?
Mulberry Park, Mulbarton, Norwich NR14 8AE, with the first game kicking off at 1pm (I’ve delayed the kick off on Sunday so people can watch the World Cup Final before). There will be five teams taking part: The Middle Green, Newsman Celtic, Woodton United, Moose Park Rangers and Brayford AFC. All teams will play each other once in a league format across two pitches. Throughout the day there will be a BBQ, cakes and drinks available, with all proceeds going to the Big C. The Middle Green have won it every year, hopefully this year that changes!
What is the goal (excuse the pun) for the David Vosper Charity Football Trophy?
Ultimately, it’s about raising as much money and awareness for Big C. But it is also such a fun day and fantastic opportunity for lots of local people to enjoy a good afternoon of football!
The David Vosper Charity Football Trophy is taking place on Sunday August 20, starting at 1pm, at Mulberry Park, The Common, Mulbarton, Norwich, NR14 8AE. Visit Big C and @bigccharity on Instagram.
Featured image: Tom Vosper is pictured in the centre of the front row, behind the Big C sign
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