NHS staff in north London will play in a special match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next week to mark the incredible sacrifices they have made during the coronavirus pandemic.
Tottenham Hotspur have donated use of their stadium to thank local NHS heroes who have worked tirelessly over the last 15 months.
And the match, featuring mixed teams representing North Middlesex University Hospital and Whittington Hospital, will take place on the hallowed turf on Monday 24 May.
The teams will be managed by Spurs legends Gary Mabbutt and Ossie Ardiles.
"The club has supported us and the local community in many ways throughout the pandemic and we're pleased to have now been given this fantastic opportunity," North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust interim chief executive told the official Spurs website.
"Following an incredibly tough year, the chance for some of our staff to play within the iconic grounds of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and be managed by a football legend will provide them with a well-deserved break."
NHS support
The staff match is the latest show of support from Spurs to the local NHS during the pandemic.
North Mid moved its Women's Outpatient Services to the stadium last year to support the redirection of pregnant women away from the hospital during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The stadium has hosted COVID-19 testing and has been a vaccination centre for the local community while Spurs donated £100,000 to support the 'Thank You' initiative for NHS staff.
"It is fitting that the final action we see on the pitch before fans return in greater numbers next season should be a tribute to those that have helped so many of us through this incredibly challenging time," said Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
"We hope that all involved enjoy their day - I would say, 'may the best team win' but both teams are winners regardless of the result."
