Aaron Tidey United

20/05/2026

We have been liaising with YMCA Stepping Stones Derby about how we can help support the children, and last week we were delighted to donate planting equipment to help engage them with nature 🌱

The donation included soil, seeds, plant pots, watering cans, gardening tools, scoops, chalks, and spray bottles so the children can get stuck in and grow their own flowers.

We look forward to continuing to support the children with equipment and opportunities that help them learn, grow, and thrive 🩵

17/05/2026

🌟 MAN OF THE MATCH 🌟

What a way to announce yourself! 👏⚽

A fantastic debut from Dean Willson #32, who put in an outstanding performance and capped it off with two brilliant goals for the team. From the very first whistle, Dean showed incredible grit, determination, and heart, never giving up on any ball and working tirelessly for his teammates all game long 💪🔥

His performance didn’t go unnoticed either, being awarded Man of the Match by the opposition — a huge sign of the impact he had on the game and the respect he earned on the pitch 👏

To step into the team and perform with such confidence, composure, and passion says everything about Dean’s character and attitude. He led by example, battled for every challenge, and showed maturity beyond his years throughout the match.

Aaron would be incredibly proud watching his little brother out there today ❤️ A truly special moment for the family and a debut that will be remembered for a long time.

Massive congratulations, Dean — two goals, Man of the Match, and a performance full of heart. The first of many 👏⚽🔥

Photography by Bradlongdenphotography 📸

17/05/2026

🩵 FULL TIME 🩵

Today we faced Enlighten The Shadows FC in a game where we honoured our little cousin, Fabio Persico, who sadly lost his life at only 17 years old.

First of all, we want to say how amazing Enlighten The Shadows are. What they stand for and support is incredible, and they are genuinely one of the most thoughtful and respectful teams we’ve had the pleasure of playing.

Today was never really about the scoreline.

Not only did they conduct themselves brilliantly throughout the game, they also paid their respects perfectly during the minute’s silence, provided flowers and a card in honour of Fabio, and even donated extra money towards the fundraiser. That meant more than words can explain and we will forever be grateful for that gesture. You have all our respect 🩵

It was also amazing to see so many of Fabio’s family and friends there today. In moments like this, football becomes far bigger than a game. It brings people together, supports people, and reminds everyone they are not alone.

Today was made extra special as we had D. Willson — Aaron’s brother — playing. Not only did he score 2 goals, but he was also awarded Man of the Match by the opposition 👏🩵 A moment Aaron would have been proud to see.

As for the football itself, the lads played brilliantly and conducted themselves in the right way from start to finish 👏

Goalscorers:
⚽ J. Vella
⚽ S. Nath x2
⚽ N. Jennings
⚽ D. Willson x2
⚽ K. Kniveton

But today was about much more than football.

For Fabio. Always. 🩵⚽

Photography by Bradlongdenphotography 📸

17/05/2026

16/05/2026

🚨 SPONSORS WANTED 🚨

Aaron Tidey United are looking for sponsors for our upcoming Annual Memorial Game on 18/07/26 in memory of Aaron. 💙

This year’s event is especially meaningful as it also marks Aaron’s two-year anniversary, making it a very special occasion for everyone involved.

We are currently looking for:
🏆 A Trophy Sponsor
🗓️ A Match Day Sponsor
⚽️ A Football Sponsor

Whether you are an individual or a business, we would love to hear from you and would greatly appreciate your support in helping us make the day memorable.

If you’re interested in getting involved, please message us directly for more information.

Thank you for your continued support 💙

16/05/2026

This weekend, at our match, we will be remembering Fabio 🤍

All of our players will be wearing these commemorative pins in his memory, and we will also have pins available to purchase on the day. We are kindly asking for donations, with all proceeds going towards supporting Fabio’s family.

We will also be running blackout cards to help raise money for the family. It’s £10 per go, with the chance of winning £100. Please bring cash if possible, but if you struggle with this, I can also take bank transfer on the day.

Thank you to everyone for your support as we come together to remember someone very special 🤍

Thank you,
Chlo 🩵

15/05/2026

Zeke is taking on the DinoDay Challenge to support Contact – an amazing charity for families with disabled children!

Zeke is doing this challenge to raise money for charity but to also doing it to raise money in his Uncle Aaron’s name for Aaron Tidey United 🩵

To celebrate DinoDay on 19 June, Zeke is taking 19 trips to the park and reading 19 books - watch this space for updates! Any donation big or small would really make a difference and Zeke proud 😊

https://www.justgiving.com/page/zeke-ali?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

15/05/2026

🔥 UPCOMING MATCH 🔥

This week Aaron Tidey United take on Enlighten The Shadows FC in what promises to be a fantastic match ⚽

We caught up with Lewis Gough from Enlighten The Shadows to talk about who they are, what they stand for, and the passion driving the team forward.

Here’s what he had to say 👇

“Enlighten the Shadows is a dedicated men’s mental health charity committed to breaking the silence that too often surrounds men’s emotional wellbeing.

Our mission is to create safe, supportive spaces where men feel empowered to speak openly, seek help without stigma and build stronger connections with themselves and others.

Through awareness campaigns, peer support initiatives, community outreach and practical wellbeing resources, we work to challenge outdated expectations around masculinity and encourage healthier conversations about mental health.

We believe that no man should feel alone in his struggles and that strength is found not in silence, but in speaking up.

By shining a light on issues often left in the dark, Enlighten the Shadows aims to inspire hope, resilience, and lasting change by helping men move forward with confidence, support, and purpose.

Together, we are changing the narrative around men’s mental health”

Come down support the cause, the team and most importantly each other 🩵

14/05/2026

NEXT UP!!!

ETS take on Aaron Tidey United in a memorial game. Derby Racecourse 2pm kick off come down and show support for everyone taking part.

Some things are bigger than football!

Some battles aren’t visible.
A lot of men smile through stress, anxiety, pressure, and pain every single day while struggling in silence behind closed doors.
Check in on your mates. Send the message. Make the call. Sit and listen.
You never truly know what someone is carrying.
To every man fighting quietly — you are valued, you are needed, and you do not have to go through it alone. 💛

13/05/2026

🩵 IN MEMORY OF FABIO PERSICO 🩵

Aaron Tidey United’s fixture on Sunday 17th May 2026 at Derby Racecourse (2PM KO) will now also be played in memory of my little cousin, Fabio Persico.

Fabio was only 17 years old when he sadly lost his life.

As a club built around family, remembrance, and bringing people together through football, we wanted to use this game to honour Fabio’s memory and support his family through an incredibly difficult time.

We have created a GoFundMe page where all money raised will go directly towards Fabio’s funeral costs.

Any donation, no matter how small, would mean the world 🩵

Thank you to everyone for the support, love, and kindness.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-fabio-persico