Welsh Police Officers vs. Hollyoaks Cast: A Friendly Showdown for a Charitable Cause

Welsh police officers and Hollyoaks cast members to face off in charity football match

Highlighting the positive side of policing

Welsh police officers from Wrexham Police FC and cast members from the popular soap opera Hollyoaks are set to participate in a charity football match on Sunday. The event aims to showcase a “positive side” to policing and raise funds for the Blue Light Card Foundation, which supports the mental wellbeing of blue light staff, including the police, ambulance services, hospital staff, and the armed services.

Building bridges and challenging stereotypes

Sgt Dave Smith, a member of Wrexham Police FC, initiated the match by reaching out to Nick Pickard, who portrays Tony Hutchinson in Hollyoaks. The soap stars, including Jamie Lomas and Owen Warner, readily agreed to participate. The match is seen as an opportunity to challenge negative perceptions of the police and build bridges between law enforcement and the public.

Sgt Smith explained that the establishment of Wrexham Police FC in January 2022 was aimed at showing that police officers are just like anyone else, emphasizing their shared interests outside of work. He acknowledged that the police often face negative press coverage, which leads to widespread negativity towards the force. By participating in events like this charity football match, the team hopes to shift public perception and demonstrate the underlying humanity of police officers.

A community-focused event

The match, set to take place at Airbus Broughton, is expected to attract around 500 attendees. Both teams are eager to use the event as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the Blue Light Card Foundation. Despite the competitive nature of football, Sgt Smith stressed that the final score is not the primary focus. Instead, the aim is to make a positive difference and support a good cause.

Nick Pickard, who praised Wrexham Police FC for their community-oriented efforts, encouraged everyone to attend and support the fixture. The match will last 90 minutes, providing a platform for the police officers and Hollyoaks cast members to come together and foster stronger links between law enforcement and the public.

Conclusion

The upcoming charity football match between Welsh police officers and Hollyoaks cast members offers a unique opportunity to challenge stereotypes and perceptions of the police while supporting a worthy cause. By showcasing their shared passion for football, the event highlights the humanity and relatability of law enforcement officers. It is hoped that initiatives like this will encourage greater understanding and collaboration between the police and the communities they serve.

For more information about the event and to make a donation, please visit the fundraising page: [Wrexham Police FC vs. Hollyoaks](https://www.justgiving.com/page/wrexham-police-fc-vs-hollyoaks)