Charity match set to recognise Paul Evans and Motor Neurone Disease at Old Road
Former Port Talbot Town, Afan Lido and Baglan BGC coach Paul Evans will be recognised on Friday night as a host of players take part in a charity match to help raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.
The 62 year-old was forced to step away from the game at the end of last season following the news that he had been diagnosed with the disease.
Evans had a successful career as both a player and coach, and represented Afan Lido, Maesteg Park, Briton Ferry, Barry Town, Port Talbot Town and Llanelli before transitioning into a coaching role with a whole host of local clubs including Lido, Port Talbot, Maesteg Park and Briton Ferry as well as other local outfits including his home team Baglan BGC.
The former player returned to his boyhood club and was manager at Baglan, but following the news of his illness, the manager stood down from his role and now the community are set to recognise his work and his current illness with a match at the Old Road, Briton Ferry tomorrow night.
As a club we’re extremely grateful that Paul decided to come to Baglan and completely transformed our club. Paul’s time as Baglan manager came to an End last season due to the devastating diagnosis of motor neurone disease. https://t.co/mDcmJsPCaD
— Baglan Dragons (@BaglanDragons) November 20, 2018
A number of former Welsh Premier League and Welsh League players will be turning out, including current Welsh League coaches Carl Shaw, Ray Pennock, Richard Ryan and Lee Bridgeman.
A whole host of players have signed up to take part in the event, with proceeds from the match going towards Evans and his family as they deal with Evans’ illness, but also in an attempt to raise awareness of the disease.
Former Swansea City stars Lee Trundle, Leon Britton and Kristian O’Leary will also be playing in the match, with numerous raffles and fundraising efforts taking place on social media in the build up to the game and at the Old Road tomorrow evening.
CONFIRMED: Squad lists for Fridays 040’s Paul”EVS”Evans game v @bfl. 040’s and a few guests including @LeeTrundle10 @Britts_7 and @krisoleary4 Some great names involved and confirmed from past and present in what will be a great occasion and a superb night for all #Vets #TrefvBFL pic.twitter.com/8sUktzP23B
— Trefelinbgc (@trefelinbcg) November 27, 2018
Further donations can be made via the gofund me page.
The game takes place at Briton Ferry’s home ground tomorrow evening with a 7pm kick off, in what should be a fitting match for a well respected member of the Welsh football community.
