THE HIGHLY anticipated Josh Tippins fundraising match is set to take place on Sunday, January 19, at the Heywood synthetic turf pitch in Cinderford, with an 11:30 AM kick-off.

Originally scheduled for November, the event was postponed due to severe storm conditions and flooding, but organisers are determined to make the rescheduled match a huge success.

The match will see Rank Outsiders AFC take on the NHS All-Star XI, a team made up of healthcare professionals from Gloucester and Cheltenham hospitals and community services.

The event is being held to support Josh Tippins, a young player who suffered a devastating leg break earlier this season while playing against Sling Reserves. Josh has undergone multiple surgeries and faces a lengthy recovery, including significant time off work.

A spokesperson for Rank Outsiders AFC said: “We want this game to raise some much-needed funds to help Josh through some difficult times ahead and to also raise awareness of grassroots sport injuries.”

The original match day in November saw organisers determined to proceed despite the rain but ultimately forced to call it off due to unsafe travel conditions for players.

The postponement gave the club time to secure even more incredible raffle prizes for the event, including tickets to football matches for Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham Town, and Weston Super-Mare FC, as well as hospitality passes for Cinderford RFC and a day at Chepstow Races for two.

Following the match, the raffle will take place at The White Hart Inn, Cinderford, from approximately 2PM. Organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to attend both the game and the raffle to show their support.

With the new date fast approaching, the excitement is building as the local community rallies together to support a young player in need.