Triple header to raise money for RVH care unit

Cartoon Army, founded by local man David Hilton-McIlwaine, will play the trio of charity challenge matches over three days at the end of May.

The first of the games will kick off at Methodist College playing fields Pirrie Park, with the remaining matches at Crusaders’ home ground of Seaview.

Cartoon Army were originally formed in 2005 as a 6-a-side team, becoming an 11-a-side in 2011.

Last year, the popularity of the team grew to an extent that a Cartoon Army reserves squad was formed.

“Last year we raised £500 from the three games in aid of Northern Ireland Hospice,” said David, a former native of the borough.

“A lot of the guys on the team are from Carrick and quite a few of them are parents, so we really wanted to do something to raise money for the paediatric intensive care unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital.

“Each of the guys on the team pays £10 to take part in the two games against the Irish League Legends. Crusaders in particular have been very good to us in letting us have Seaview at a reduced rate.

“We’ll also have collection buckets at the matches and we’re auctioning off a few things through our Facebook page,” David added.

“There’s a signed Man United pennant and a book signed by Jessie J, and we have a few items from some of our friends in the ice hockey world as well.”

The first game on Wednesday May 21 will see Cartoon Army Select squad take on Inst Legends at Pirrie Park, kicking off at 7.30pm.

The squad will include ex-Crusaders player Aidan Watson along with current players Matthew Snoddy and Joshua Robinson.

The reserves team will face an Irish League Legends side on Friday, May 23 at Seaview, beginning at 7.45pm.

The first team will then play against the same side the following day, with an earlier kick-off of 5pm.