Vicarage Road to host major charity tournament this weekend
The charity football tournament will be held at Watford FC's Vicarage Road Stadium, on Saturday, May 10, 2025. (Image: Watford FC Trust)
Watford will be hosting a major event with heart—the Mental Health World Cup is coming to town this weekend.
The charity football tournament will be held at Watford FC's Vicarage Road Stadium on Saturday.
The event was launched in 2012 by Giancarlo Gaglione in memory of his brother Lanfranco.
It will be hosted at Vicarage Road for the first time, after being held at QPR's Matrade Loftus Road for many years.
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The tournament will feature 32 teams, each representing an international country, and will include appearances from former Hornets such as Luther Blissett OBE DL, Tommy Smith and Marvin Sordell.
It will be hosted at Vicarage Road for the first time, after being held at QPR's Matrade Loftus Road for many years. (Image: Watford FC Trust) The teams will compete in a group stage format, with groups drawn at Watford FC's training ground in March by players Mattie Pollock and Jonathan Bond.
Each team will represent a different country, with the likes of Watford FC U18s, Watford FC Media Team, and Watford Thursday FC among the participants.
The event is a collaborative effort, involving businesses, charities, and groups.
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The Mental Health World Cup has partnered with Watford Football Club's Community Sports and Education Trust and WD18 – the Watford Fan Channel.
Go Cardless and Total Security are headline sponsors, with Celtic, The Grove, Overbury, MCS, and Sale Group also supporting the event.
The tournament will feature 32 teams, each representing an international country, and will include appearances from former Hornets such as Luther Blissett OBE DL, Tommy Smith, and Marvin Sordell. (Image: Watford FC Trust) Watford FC kit manufacturer Kelme is supplying all 32 teams with unique shirts and shorts.
Local brewery Mad Squirrel has released a limited edition 'Kick-Off' beer, with £1 of proceeds going to the charities involved.
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The benefitting charities are Common Goal, Mind, OLLIE, and Rennie Grove Peace Hospice, with all proceeds split evenly between these organisations.
The event promises more than just football, with an auction, food and drink, and a dedicated kids zone.
Each team will represent a different country, with the likes of Watford FC U18s, Watford FC Media Team, and Watford Thursday FC among the participants. (Image: Watford FC Trust) The charity auction, featuring various items, is now live and can be accessed at superstars-auctions.com/mhworldcup.
Spectator tickets for the event are priced at £10 and can be purchased at the Watford FC website or on the day at the venue.
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The Mental Health World Cup aims to raise money and awareness for mental health issues, while providing an enjoyable day for all involved.
The event is expected to be a significant fundraising and awareness event for mental health, bringing together people from all walks of life.
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