Young football fans were given the opportunity last week to seel with the Barclays Premier League trophy at a number of events around the Island.
The trophy made a visit to the Island on the 18th and 19th November; it toured local primary schools so that the children could see the famous trophy and have their photo taken with it. The trophy also made a special visit to the Children’s Ward at Noble’s Hospital.
The trophy was on display at the Barclays Douglas branch on Victoria Street, where local people queued to get a glimpse.
For a small donation, members of the public could purchase a photograph of themselves with the trophy and the proceeds were donated to the Barclays Wealth Charity of the Year, Wish Upon a Dream and Junior Achievement.
Greg Ellison, Managing Director, Barclays Wealth, said, "It was a delight to be able to bring the trophy over to the Island and watch as children in local schools and at the Children’s Ward were given the opportunity to see this legendary trophy.
"I was also really pleased to see so many people in our branch purchasing photographs to help the worthwhile causes we are helping to support."
A Premier League dinner was also held at which TV personalities Ray Stubbs, Rebecca Lowe and ex Manchester United and England footballer Gary Pallister OBE were guest speakers.
Local businesses were asked to purchase tickets for the event which helped to raise over ?12,500 for the charities Wish Upon a Dream and Junior Achievement.
Greg continued, "The Premier League dinner was a real success and helped to raise a substantial amount of money for our chosen charities. I was delighted to be able to welcome Ray, Rebecca and Gary to the Island and was interested to hear their tales of heated interviews and past experiences on the football pitch.
"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the local businesses who helped to support the dinner, Ray, Rebecca and Gary for taking time out of their busy schedules and to Flybe for flying the trophy and its security team to the Island."
Pictured: Ian Pilley with St Mary's Football Team
