On Wednesday night (20 November) a charity match took place at St James’ Catholic High School in Colindale, all in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Staff from both The Barnet Group and Barnet Council attended to either participate or spectate. Despite temperatures dropping to near zero degrees Celsius, the turnout was great. As a result, they were able to hold a 9-a-side game, with The Barnet Group playing against Barnet Council.

The day before was International Men’s Day and the theme for this year is Positive Male Role Models. The day celebrates:

  • Making a positive difference to the wellbeing and lives of men and boys
  • Raising awareness and/or funds for charities supporting men and boys’ wellbeing
  • Promoting a positive conversation about men, manhood and masculinity

In a game like football, it was a great way to encourage all involved to interact and engage with one another. It was very clear from those who did attend they were driven in supporting this cause. The charity match raised £240. Bearing in mind the time of year and financial pressures for many, these donations were a huge effort from all involved. The funds raised add to the great work The Barnet Group achieved when they raised £800 in the summer, when members of their Men’s Circle participated in a walk at Battersea Park in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

What is Prostate Cancer and how to check?

For those who are not aware of what prostate cancer is and how to check here is a summary of the key facts and information you need, as provided by Prostate Cancer UK:

  • The prostate is a gland, which sites underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube the carries urine (wee) out of the body. The main function of the prostate is to help make semen.
  • Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
  • The earlier you find prostate cancer, the easier it is to treat. You can check your risk in 30 seconds so please visit here.
  • Information for trans and non-binary people can be found here.
  • According to the NHS website, there are more than 45,000 new cases diagnosed every year. The conditions mainly affect men over the age of 65, however men over 50 are also at risk. Regardless of your age, do go and get checked. Don’t delay, register today, and get yourself checked out.
  • Research by NHS has shown prostate cancer is more common among Black men than in White men and is least common in Asian men.
  • Women and people assigned female at birth do not have a prostate. Instead, they have what is known as the Skene’s glands which some refer to as the female prostate gland, which is positioned on the other side of the urethra.

You can still donate until the end of November, if you feel inspired and wish to support and raise awareness of men’s health and wellbeing, visit the following link here:

https://www.justgiving.com/team/barnetcharityfootballmatch

Finally, a special thanks to all those who played and represented The Barnet Group and Barnet Council and once again to you that have donated so far to this great cause. May we continue checking-in on one another; finding that role model who will bring out our best self and support the wellbeing of our male peers moving forward.