Sheffield rugby league community unites to raise over £7,400 for Elys Army
The Sheffield rugby league community came together in remarkable fashion at the weekend as the Elys Army Charity Game - Astons Allstars vs Sheffield Hawks raised £7,422.87 for a cause close to many hearts across the city.
Despite challenging weather conditions in the days leading up to the fixture, the match was able to go ahead thanks to the efforts of the team at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park, who switched the game to one of their 3G pitches. While the change meant spectators had to watch from outside the fencing, organisers were grateful the game could still be played as planned.
The charity match had its roots in a surprise birthday celebration held for Mark Aston in September last year. The event brought together a host of rugby league figures who had either played alongside or under Aston during his long association with Sheffield Eagles. Often referred to as “Tubbs” or “Mr Sheffield Eagles”, Aston made 389 appearances and scored 2,142 points for the club before serving as head coach from 1999-2005 and again from 2007-2024. He was also instrumental in rebuilding the Eagles following the club’s failed merger with Huddersfield Giants.
That birthday event was organised via a private WhatsApp group of around 100 former players, highlighting the strength of the relationships Aston built throughout his career. It was at this event that the idea for a charity match was born.
During the celebrations, Sheffield Hawks captain Dan Burt suggested hosting a game to raise money for Elys Army. Elys Army was established to support the Fearnley family following the diagnosis of their son Ely, aged three, with an incurable EMTR brain tumour. Both Sheffield Hawks and the Eagles rallied around the family, helping fund memory-making experiences and even arranging hospital visits from the Eagles’ mascot, Errol.
Ely, a passionate Sheffield Eagles supporter, became well known for his joyful “Eeeeeagles” war cry and infectious laugh. He sadly passed away on 2 February 2024, but his impact continues to be felt across the city’s rugby league community. Since Ely’s passing, Elys Army has continued fundraising to support small but mighty charities and local organisations in Ely’s memory.
It was decided that Sheffield Hawks would take on an Astons Allstars side made up of some of the best players to have represented Sheffield rugby league. A tentative message was sent into the group to see if former players would be willing to lace up their boots once more. The response was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, with players agreeing to travel from across the country to take part.
The fixture was scheduled for January 31, 2026, the weekend closest to the second anniversary of Ely’s passing, and moved from the Hawks’ home at Parson Cross Park to Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park to accommodate a larger crowd.
Further support came through the production of a bespoke Allstars kit, sponsored by GRI Group and supplied by Kitlocker, with replica shirts made available for pre-sale. The occasion also gave Sheffield Hawks the chance to unveil their new 2026 playing kit.
On matchday, a host of well-known names from the game turned out for the Allstars, including Andrew Henderson, Kris Welham, Menzie Yere, Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e and Keith Senior. The Eagle-ettes also briefly reunited, adding to the occasion and atmosphere.
With over 400 tickets sold, the atmosphere was vibrant from the outset. On the pitch, the Allstars showed their class, with Rob Worrincy opening the scoring. In a light-hearted twist, try-scorers were required to attempt their own conversions. Further tries from Dom Brambani, Kadeem Williams, Danny Mills and Scott Turner followed, while the Hawks’ sole try came from Reece Williams, fittingly wearing the number three shirt.
The final score finished Sheffield Hawks 4 - Astons Allstars 54, but the result was secondary to the cause.
Fundraising continued after the game at The Courtyard Café on Attercliffe Road, where Allstars match shirts were auctioned, contributing to the impressive final total.
Organisers thanked everyone involved, from players and volunteers to supporters and sponsors, for making the day such a success and ensuring Ely’s legacy continues to bring people together.