SOCCER stars from the past were in Huddersfield to help raise awareness of a charity.
Former Liverpool players took part in a five-a-side tournament at Soccer City, in Waterloo, to help a trust set up in memory of schoolboy Dominic Rodgers, who died of carbon monoxide poisoning in February 2004.
The trust was established after the 10-year-old was killed when fumes spread into the bedroom of his Fartown home from a faulty boiler in a neighbouring property.
Seven teams, who each paid a tournament entrance fee of £140 to go towards the charity, competed for the chance to play a Liverpool team in the final – featuring stars such as Alan Kennedy, John Aldridge and Neil Ruddock.
Ex-Highbury and Anfield midfielder, Michael Thomas, said the trust is a good cause because carbon monoxide is very dangerous.
He added: “It is always nice to play football for something like this.”
Thomas said the football yesterday was tough.
“It was mainly a case of old boys playing against the young ones.”
Since the death of Dominic, his mother, Stacey Rodgers, 30, from Deighton, said she has campaigned nationally to raise awareness to the dangers of carbon monoxide.
She added: “Having the Liverpool legends come along has contributed to what has been a fabulous day.
“Hopefully, after its success, we can do something like this every year.
“This is a fun way of getting awareness out and everyone had a good time.”
John Aldridge, who made over 100 appearances for Liverpool in his professional career, said: “Former players like ourselves are asked regularly to do charity work and this is definitely a good cause.”
Tournament organiser Morris Simpson, 31, from Deighton, said: “The turnout and support we received was unbelievable.
“It helps raising money first of all from events like this so that this money can then help us raise awareness on the issue.”
The tournament was followed by a black-tie dinner at The Galpharm Stadium, hosted by former Anfield legend Neil Ruddock.
Mr Simpson said football memorabilia, including a signed England and Diego Maradona shirt, was auctioned off at the function and would also go towards the trust.
