Red Funnel And Island Roads To Face Off In Charity Football Match

Staff from Red Funnel and Island Roads will go head-to-head in a charity football match next month to raise money for Friends of the Animals.

The match will take place at East Cowes Victoria Athletic Football Club on Sunday 13th September, with kick-off at 12:00.

Both organisations independently selected the Newport-based animal charity as their Charity of the Year for 2026.

Entry will cost a minimum £2 donation, while spectators can also bring pet food, treats and other animal supplies to donate at the gate.

A free Football Fun Factory training session for children will take place from 11:00, with food, a raffle and other family activities also planned.

Red Funnel chief executive Fran Collins said there had already been some “surprisingly competitive” discussion over the team line-up.

Island Roads captain Luke Ward said the match would bring the two organisations together for an important local cause, although he expected the “friendly rivalry” to emerge once the game begins.

Friends of the Animals founder Helen Sinclair MBE said money raised would help fund veterinary treatment and preventative care, while donated supplies would support animals and local families.