SIXTY former non-league players will come together to reminisce on old times while raising funds for Cancer Research UK through a charitable yet competitive round of golf.
For the second year running, teams captained by ex-Banbury United man Mark O’Hara and former Oxford City player Steve Jenkins will go up against each other.
Other names taking part include Oxford United legends Les Phillips and Peter Rhoades-brown, former North Leigh manager Mark Gee and Banbury-born Martin Singleton, who played for the likes of Coventry City, Bradford City and West Bromwich Albion.
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This year’s charity event will take place tomorrow at Waterstock Golf Club, with a social evening at The Chequers Inn, Quarry, from 7pm.
O’Hara told this newspaper: “It’s a Ryder Cup format and we’ve both got teams of 30.
“Jenks won last year and the winner gets to keep the trophy, it’s a good day for us all more than anything.
“Between ex-non-league footballers, we’ve probably kicked each other off the pitch at times in our playing days.
“However, I speak to most of the lads going on a monthly basis, and there’s a great camaraderie between us all – it’s unbelievable.
“There’ll be some top local players there and some very good players from over the years.
“Other ex-non-league players who aren’t coming to the golf are welcome to the Chequers afterwards and that’ll be a lot of fun too.”
O’Hara sees the event growing in the future after a successful launch last year, and as word continues to spread over time.
“It’s something that will get bigger and bigger every year, and next year, we’re looking to do it on the bank holiday at the end of May,” he said.
“Cancer affects one in two people in the UK, and everyone will know someone who has had cancer.
“When you get to a certain age, lots of people you know are struggling with these sorts of things.”
Goodrham’s ability and sparkling form at the end of last season means links to the Championship are almost inevitable. Manning though was firm that #oufc have had no contact from other clubs https://t.co/QhmZVQRVdl
— Liam Rice (@OxMailLiamRice) July 20, 2023
The day has been sponsored for the second year running by Hartwell Automotive Group, which has made a £3,000 donation to Cancer Research UK, while paying £1,200 for O’Hara’s team shirts.
Jenkins’ side meanwhile has been sponsored by Headington-based removal and storage company Luker Bros.
“In the current tough business climate, I can’t believe they have supported us like this,” said O’Hara.
So far, the golf day has raised a total of £4,750 upon publication for Cancer Research UK. The ex-players’ target is £5,000.
For more information, and to donate, please visit: fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/marco-and-jenks-ex-non-league-footballers-golf-day-2023
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To sign up to Liam’s latest Oxford United newsletter for free, click here: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/newsletters/
Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.
Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.
His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.
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