It will kick off between Burnham and Sweeney this spring

Andy Burnham and Mike Sweeney will lead two teams in a charity football match to raise cash for Salford Lads and Girls Club. The Everton and Manchester United supporting pair hope to recruit all-star squads for the game.

The Ordsall based club avoided closure at the end of November after the Manchester Evening News sponsored a gofundme page which helped raise £275,000.

But Greater Manchester Mayor and legendary DJ and Salford Jets singer Mike will stage a game to be played at Salford City FC Peninsula Stadium to give the 121-year-old club another cash boost.

It will take place on April 27th next year with line ups yet to be announced. Tickets will go on sale at a later date.

Donations to the fundrasing included £100,000 from Salford City Council and £50,000 from Morrissey. While the club’s immediate future is safe, the long term aim is to set up a £1m Legacy Fund from which £40,000 to £50,000 can be drawn down each year.

Striker Burnham’s eleven will comprise staff from the GMCA and special celebrity guests, while England over-70s international Sweeney will rely on the squad depth of famous friends and BBC staff.

Mr Burnham said: “I was delighted when the news came through that Salford Lads and Girls Club had been saved. The City of Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole simply would not be the same without it. It has provided a lifeline to so many of our young people over decades.

“We can’t let it get to a point again where the club has to fight to the wire for its survival, which is why the creation of this legacy fund is so important. We hope to raise as much as we can to get this Legacy Fund off the ground.”

On the football, Burnham added: “Mike may have an international cap to his name, but can he do it on a