Football has an incredible ability to bring people together – and perhaps no club illustrates this better than Angels United FC.
A very different kind of football team, Angels United were originally formed by a group of fathers – all of whom had suffered the devastating loss of a child.
By getting together, they realised they could all “play the beautiful game that they love 90 minutes…and thrive in that environment”.
A club rep explains: “When we take to the pitch we support each other and it gives the opportunity to represent our Angels on the pitch.”
Courtesy of Angels United FC
This special sports team is expanding, too – becoming a support system for entire families.
ADVERTISEMENT
According to club representatives, Angels United have widened their focus because “it isn’t just fathers who are affected: It’s mothers, brothers, sisters who also experience grief”.
Their new mission is to help anyone who has suffered heartbreaking bereavement – making sure that mums and partners of players are involved with all the decisions that need to be made in relation to the club.
ADVERTISEMENT
Angels United are still very in the early stages, having only played their first game in October 2020.
They’re also still on the lookout for a permanent home; seeking support from local businesses to act as sponsors.
But what the club lacks in experience, it makes up for in ambition – with some very big plans for the future.
Going forward, Angels United are hoping to bring in a mental health professional or counsellor – who will work alongside players and families.
They’re also aiming to become a registered charity; raising awareness about what people go through after suffering a child bereavement.
“There are words such as ‘widow’ for someone who has lost their husband, [but] as far as we are concerned there is no word to describe someone who has lost their child,” Angels United reps explained.
“We call them family and [we] want to be that shining light and safety net for families who reach to us.”
If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved with Angels United, contact the club via their social media pages on Facebook,Instagram and Twitter.
Sport
Tommy Fury announces huge fight against former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall
Daisy Jackson
Tommy Fury has announced his next major boxing match – against a rather unlikely opponent.
The Manc boxer and former Love Island star will face Eddie Hall, who once reigned as the World’s Strongest Man and was the first person on the planet to deadlift 500kg.
The match, billed as Beauty vs The Beast (we’ll let you decide who’s who…), will take place at the AO Arena this summer.
Tommy Fury and Eddie Hall will be facing off in Manchester as part of the Misfits Boxing series, a sports promotion company founded by YouTube sensation KSI.
26-year-old Fury – younger brother of heavyweight legend Tyson Fury – remains unbeaten, seeing off all-comers in the crossover boxing world.
As for 38-year-old Eddie Hall (nicknamed The Beast), he retired as a strongman competitor, where he’s previously been crowned the World’s Strongest Man, and has now pivoted into combat sports.
The pair have collaborated recently on several videos online, taking on challenges like a One Punch Knockout and a breakfast eating competition.
But this will be the first time they’ve publicly faced off in the ring.
Misfirst Boxing has once more delivered the biggest match-ups possible in the crossover boxing space, with Fury vs. Hall promising to be a titanic tussle that will captivate fans around the world.
Tommy Fury vs Eddie Hall, Beauty vs The Beast, will take place on Saturday 13 June at the AO Arena in Manchester – you can get tickets HERE.
Corey Blackett-Taylor ruled out injured for the rest of the season
Danny Jones
Bolton Wanderers winger Corey Blackett-Taylor has been ruled out for the rest of the season following injury.
With not that long left in this year’s campaign and the playoff scrap set to ramp up even further in the coming weeks, it’s an unfortunate twist of fate for the Trotters.
Despite still being only a relatively recent signing, having just joined Bolton in the most recent January transfer window, it didn’t take long for him to make a good impression.
Scoring on debut in a 1-0 away win against AFC Wimbledon, the 28-year-old is now set to miss the remainder of the 2025/26 term, letting supporters know the news on Friday, 27 March.
Blackett-Taylor was forced off in the game against Rotherham United after pulling up in the wake of taking a shot, ultimately being subbed in the first half.
It was quickly confirmed to be a thigh injury, and while the specific nature and severity of the damage haven’t been fully detailed, he has now informed fans that his season is over.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “Instantly from arriving at the club, I felt the passion and support from the fans, club, staff and players.
“I have no doubts [about] the club achieving their targets of promotion – I want to say a huge thank you for making me feel so welcomed and comfortable. Unfortunately, my season is concluded due to my injury, but I’ll be here supporting the team to the very end.”
He isn’t the only impactful League One player at a side eyeing up the Championship to have been hampered by setbacks on the physio bench, with rivals Stockport County also confirming an absence at this crucial point in the campaign.
Not ideal for either of the Greater Manchester hopefuls.
Once again, while the recovery period for both of these players has already begun, the exact timelines for their return remain to be seen.
That being said, chances are we’ll see the Derby County loanee back in action before Hills, though we’ll have to wait to find out whether it will be at the Toughsheet Stadium or back with his parent club.
Who do you think is going to clinch that third promotion place at Wembley come this May?
Kate Jackson -
3rd November 2020 
