Scoring Goals for Good: The Kimmy Park Charity Cup Story
Rotherham Hospice Supporter Stories
In the heart of Rotherham, amidst the spirited chants of football fans, a remarkable initiative was born. What began as a casual conversation on a sunny morning en route to an away game soon evolved into a significant endeavor to support the Rotherham Hospice. This is the story of the Kimmy Park Charity Cup and the dedicated group behind it.
The Birth of the Kimmy Park Charity Cup
The Kimmy Park Away Days group, formed by a collective of Rotherham United supporters, embarked on a mission to marry their love for football with a noble cause. With the Rotherham Hospice close to their hearts, they envisioned an annual charity football match to raise funds and awareness for this vital institution. From here, the Kimmy Park Charity Cup was established in 2022, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey.
Led by Reece and Jordan, the group meticulously planned every aspect of the event. From recruiting players and coaches to securing venues and organizing fundraising activities, their dedication knew no bounds. With each passing week, the momentum grew, and the anticipation for the first Charity Cup reached a crescendo.
On the 15th of July 2022, under the scorching summer sun, the first Charity Cup unfolded with an atmosphere of camaraderie and goodwill. Amidst cheers and laughter, players battled it out on the field while supporters rallied behind them. As the final whistle blew, and the red team emerged victorious, the true triumph was the overwhelming support received from the community.
The success of the inaugural event propelled the Kimmy Park Charity Cup into its second year. With expanded team members and innovative fundraising ideas, they surpassed their previous fundraising efforts, raising a staggering £2,750 in 2023. This remarkable achievement underscored not only their commitment to the cause but also the unwavering support of the community.
Charity Match Against Barnsley Charity FC
Amidst their bustling schedule of fundraising events, the Kimmy Park Away Days group recently hosted a charity football match against Barnsley Charity FC, adding another memorable chapter to their philanthropic journey. Though the match ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat, the true victory lay in the collective effort to support the Rotherham Hospice. Reflecting on the day’s events, Jordan and Reece expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all who participated, whether as players, supporters, or contributors to the various fundraising activities.
Jordan also sponsored a player, Jayden from the Barnsley Charity FC team, a community charity group who have supported the Hospice in the past, alongside raising money for Rotherham Cheerleading Academy, Pipers Pathway, Toy Banks and Vulnerable Families, also holding an event on 6th April for the National Autistic Society.
When given the opportunity to sponsor Jayden, Jordan decided instead to put the Rotherham Hospice logo on Jayden’s shirt as a sign of support for the Hospice.
“I’m from Rotherham and a lot of my family and family friends been from here I couldn’t be any happier.” Jayden said of the shirt sponsorship.
“[Barnsley Charity FC] are more than just a charity football team we are a football team that’s supports our local charities… None of this would be possible without the support and ambition we all have and the love we all share for the game and especially without our manager Andrew Ward who organises our fixtures and events and most importantly makes sure we enjoy our time on and off the pitch.”
Continuity and Growth: The Future of the Kimmy Park Charity Cup
As they enter the third year of the Charity Cup, the Kimmy Park Away Days group shows no signs of slowing down. With a calendar brimming with fundraising events, including race nights, football matches, and raffles, they are determined to surpass expectations once again. Their dedication to supporting the Rotherham Hospice remains steadfast, driving them to new heights of philanthropy and community engagement.
On the 20th of July 2024, the stage will be set for the main event at Phoenix Sports Pavilion, Brinsworth. As they invite the community to join them in their endeavour, they extend their gratitude to all who have supported them thus far. Together, they aim to make a difference in the lives of those in need, one goal at a time.
On 30th January 2025, Kimmy Park was approached by local station Rotherham Radio, who wanted to collaborate to help share news about upcoming events. After meeting for a chat, Kimmy Park were delighted to hear about the opportunities to work together and soon agreed to make Rotherham Radio their official media sponsor going forward.
This partnership has been a fantastic way for Kimmy Park to raise awareness of Rotherham Hospice and the vital work it does. Members of the team were invited into the studio to talk all things Rotherham Hospice, and Rotherham Radio even hosted a live show from one of Kimmy Park’s events.
On 8th February, as both teams prepared for a big event, Kimmy Park played a series of friendly matches against local sides Supporting AMC and Dinnington Dynamos, with the white and red teams in action.
The main event took place on 11th November 2024, when Kimmy Park announced that, for the fourth year running, they would be playing their annual Charity Cup at Millmoor — the former home of Rotherham United. Tickets sold quickly, teams were announced, and anticipation built for what would become the biggest day in the Charity Cup’s history.
Rotherham United legends John Breckin and Ronnie Moore took their places in the dugouts, joined by former manager Paul Warne and current boss Matt Hamshaw, who made a special appearance. It was a day to remember — great weather, an incredible crowd, and even Rotherham’s own James Bolton joining the action. Rotherham Radio’s guest host Stewart broadcast live from the ground, playing music and reporting every goal.
The white team claimed victory with a 6–0 win, bringing the overall tie to 2–2, and the event raised an incredible £6,000 for Rotherham Hospice.
Looking ahead, Kimmy Park are already planning their fifth Charity Cup, with fantastic local backing and the same goal at heart — raising as much as possible to support the care provided by Rotherham Hospice.
As the team’s reputation continues to grow, Kimmy Park are proud to be recognised by local businesses and partners. Their new collaboration with Hidden Ballerz Academy will give local talent the chance to develop their skills in a professional coaching environment — and maybe even play for one of Kimmy Park’s charity teams in the future.
Why your support matters
Rotherham Hospice cares for families experiencing an end-of-life illness, both physically and emotionally. As a charity, Rotherham Hospice needs to raise £3 million each year to fund vital end-of-life services and we can only do it thanks to our amazing supporters like you and Luke.
How can you help?
There are many ways you can support us, whether it be through holding an event, playing in our lottery, volunteering, or donating!
