On a beautiful day in Christchurch, football fans from all over city gathered to celebrate the life of Steve Sumner and support the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Four exciting matches took place between Christchurch United and Cashmere Technical, with both teams putting on a show for an enthusiastic crowd.
Steve Sumner was a legend of New Zealand football, having played for the national team for over a decade and captaining them to their first World Cup appearance in 1982. He was also a beloved member of the Christchurch football community, having played for Christchurch United for many years.
The day began with a tribute to Sumner, with both Paul Ifill and Dan Schwarz, showcasing some of his greatest moments on the field. His family was also present, and they received a warm round of applause from the crowd.
The first match of the day was a fiercely contested battle between the youth teams of Christchurch United and Cashmere Technical. Despite some close calls, the U17s match ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams showing impressive skill and determination. The U20s game finished 2-1 in favour of Christchurch United which put the home team in pole position going into the senior fixtures.
Next up was the women's match, which saw a brand new looking Christchurch United take on a highly professional Cashmere Technical in fast paced competitive game. Cashmere Technical experience shone through with an impressive 14-0 win, meaning it was down to the senior men to decide which club would have their name on the shield.
The final match of the day was the eagerly anticipated showdown between the first teams of Christchurch United and Cashmere Technical. The two teams had a long-standing rivalry, and both were determined to come out on top. The match was a high-tempo affair, with both teams scoring goals. However, it was Christchurch United who emerged victorious with a final score of 3-1, much to the delight of their fans.
It was a great sight to see Matthew Todd-Smith lift the shield infront of the fans at United Sports Centre.
Throughout the day, there were also various fundraising activities and information stands set up to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the work of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Fans were encouraged to make donations and show their support for the cause.
Overall, it was a hugely successful day, with fantastic football on display and a great turnout from the community. The event was a fitting tribute to Steve Sumner, and the support for the Prostate Cancer Foundation was a testament to the generosity and kindness of the people of Christchurch.
Steve Sumner was a legend of New Zealand football, having played for the national team for over a decade and captaining them to their first World Cup appearance in 1982. He was also a beloved member of the Christchurch football community, having played for Christchurch United for many years.
The day began with a tribute to Sumner, with both Paul Ifill and Dan Schwarz, showcasing some of his greatest moments on the field. His family was also present, and they received a warm round of applause from the crowd.
The first match of the day was a fiercely contested battle between the youth teams of Christchurch United and Cashmere Technical. Despite some close calls, the U17s match ended in a 0-0 draw, with both teams showing impressive skill and determination. The U20s game finished 2-1 in favour of Christchurch United which put the home team in pole position going into the senior fixtures.
Next up was the women's match, which saw a brand new looking Christchurch United take on a highly professional Cashmere Technical in fast paced competitive game. Cashmere Technical experience shone through with an impressive 14-0 win, meaning it was down to the senior men to decide which club would have their name on the shield.
The final match of the day was the eagerly anticipated showdown between the first teams of Christchurch United and Cashmere Technical. The two teams had a long-standing rivalry, and both were determined to come out on top. The match was a high-tempo affair, with both teams scoring goals. However, it was Christchurch United who emerged victorious with a final score of 3-1, much to the delight of their fans.
It was a great sight to see Matthew Todd-Smith lift the shield infront of the fans at United Sports Centre.
Throughout the day, there were also various fundraising activities and information stands set up to raise awareness about prostate cancer and the work of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Fans were encouraged to make donations and show their support for the cause.
Overall, it was a hugely successful day, with fantastic football on display and a great turnout from the community. The event was a fitting tribute to Steve Sumner, and the support for the Prostate Cancer Foundation was a testament to the generosity and kindness of the people of Christchurch.
