A football club made up of Grenfell survivors and bereaved friends and relatives has started its first ever pre-season tour playing fire services across the UK.
Grenfell Athletic FC was started shortly after the devastating fire four years ago and its founder said players were preparing for an “emotional experience” before playing matches against firefighters who risked their lives fighting the blaze.
The team will take on Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service FC at Birtley Town Football Club on Wednesday afternoon.
They will then play Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and the Merseyside Fire Team before returning to London in August to take on London Fire Brigade (LFB).
The LFB team includes firefighters from Red Watch, who fought the tragic inferno which killed 72 people on June 14 2017.
Grenfell Athletic FC founder Rupert Taylor, 34, told the Standard: “It means so much to everyone involved. This tour came about because we really wanted to show our appreciation to those fire services.
“It will be an emotional experience to share the pitch with those that put their life on the line in 2017.
“The first thing that comes to mind is respect, you have to have huge respect for someone who risks their life for others. Our players will just want to shake their hand and give them a hug.
“The Grenfell survivors in our team will be so moved and appreciative of the moment.”
