Charities to gain from Hebburn Town’s Vase Final buzz

By Mark Carruthers

BIG STAGERS: Wembley Stadium hosts Hebburn Town

PICTURE: Alamy

HEBBURN TOWN have followed the lead of supporters from Sunderland and Marine by launching a virtual Wembley ticket fundraising initiative.

The Northern League Division One club reached the FA Vase Final for the first time when they saw off South Counties East League side Corinthian in a penalty shoot-out in September.

That set up only the second ever all-Northern League Vase Final after Consett claimed a dramatic semi-final win of their own with a 1-0 home triumph against Bitton.

All focus turned towards the possibility of supporters being able to make their way to northwest London for their historic Wembley date – but the Football Association have confirmed that the tie will not be part of the government’s test events for opening up sports events once again.

With the game now set to take place on Monday May 3, Hebburn have now decided to go ahead with a fundraising initiative to support a number of charities and the club itself.

The Hornets are hoping to sell 3,269 virtual tickets and matchday souvenir programmes in a move similar to the precedent set by Sunderland supporters ahead of their Papa John’s Trophy Final against Tranmere Rovers last month, and Marine for their dream FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur in January.

Proceeds from the fundraising push will be split between the club, Hebburn Helps Food Bank & Crisis Centre, Hebburn Town Juniors FC and the Motor Nuerone Disease Association.

For more information on the initiative, or to purchase a virtual ticket and souvenir programme, visit the Hebburn Town club website.