On Saturday 3rd August 2024, we played a pre-season friendly at Southport - the game coming just days after the horrific attack which claimed the lives of Alice da Silva Aguiar, Bebe King and Elsie Dot Stancombe.
We saw first hand that day what an incredible part of their community Southport FC represent, having opened their doors and provided whatever support they could over the preceding days.
We were honoured to be invited back to Haig Avenue again yesterday as the Sandgrounders remembered the three little girls who lost their lives and all those affected by the attack one year on.
We’re also thankful to our friends at Southport for reading out a few words, on behalf of all of us at FC United, prior to yesterday’s game;
“On behalf of everyone at FC United of Manchester, we want to express our heartfelt condolences and continued solidarity with the Southport community following the tragic loss of three young girls — Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar.
We were here almost a year ago, just days after this unimaginable tragedy. The courage and compassion shown by everyone at Southport has stayed with us ever since.
We know that football, at its best, brings people together. It gives us strength when we feel broken, and community when we feel alone. We hope today’s game offers a small moment of togetherness and reflection, as we honour the memory of three precious girls whose lives were so tragically cut short.
We return to Haig Avenue not just as visitors, but as friends — standing with you in solidarity, in sorrow, and in hope.”
Southport FC continue to support the local community, including hosting a charity match today. We’d encourage any supporters who would like to support the charity fund to do so here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-the-southport-families-after-29th-july-2024-attack