Fulham FC Foundation Fans Team Take On Beder FC At Craven Cottage!

On the evening of Thursday 25^th May 2023, fourteen lucky Fulham FC fans arrived at Craven Cottage, following in the footsteps of their heroes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

These lucky fans were about to lace up their boots and play a full 90-minute fixture against Beder FC, the footballing arm of mental health and suicide prevention charity Beder. By using the power of football Beder brings likeminded people together to overcome the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide prevention by softly raising awareness through a range of events and initiatives.

Once all players had arrived the Fulham FC Foundation team were invited into the home dressing room where they would receive their match day kit from Fulham FC Foundation CEO Mike McSweeney.

After a brief warm-up and plenty of photo opportunities on the pitch for both teams the players lined up in the tunnel for their 7:45pm kick off!

A great game unfolded with a high standard of play on both sides. The players were lucky enough to also have their chance to shine against a former Fulham FC player, Kevin Betsy who was part of the Beder FC squad. After a strong first 20 minutes from Beder, the Fulham FC Foundation team regained control with a strong come back to finish the first half. With goals going back and forth all game the Fulham FC Foundation side clinched the victory, with one lucky Fulham FC Foundation player, Lucas, scoring a hat trick on his 21^st birthday for the home side, leaving him taking home the match ball!

This fixture finished off with players and spectators from both sides enjoying a drink or two in the renowned Cottage bar. Both teams analysed the game in detail with players of the day being awarded on both sides.

“Being able to bring these once in a lifetime experiences to supporters of Fulham FC is something Fulham FC Foundation prides itself on being able to do. However none of this would be possible without the amazing support the charity receives from the football club – this unparalleled support allows the Foundation to take the necessary steps to build better lives through sport every year.” Hugh French – Fulham FC Foundation Event Lead.

“Fulham FC, as a football club, and Craven Cottage, as a stadium has always been close to our hearts, as a charity, as Beder Mirjan loved watching Fulham play and had the chance to meet some of his favourite players back in the day such as Brede Hangeland and Clint Dempsey so the chance to take part in this charity fixture at Craven Cottage was incredibly special.

"Fulham FC Foundation made the dream of playing on such a spectacular Premier League stadium a reality which will live long in the memory of everyone involved. Our thanks go out to Fulham FC Foundation and the football club for allowing us to take part in such a special fixture.”

Razzak Mirjan the Founder of Beder.