Kernow and Cascadia are set to return to action after a lengthy absence of matches at Northwood FC’s Fenton Engineering Stadium this weekend.
Both teams haven’t played an international fixture in two years, therefore the upcoming game is an eagerly anticipated one. Both teams will battle it out for Prost Soccer Challenge Cup.
Who are the teams?
Kernow (Cornish for “Cornwall”) is recognised by Cornish and Celtic political groups as one of six Celtic nations are managed by Darren Gilbert and captained by former Truro City defender James Ward.
Cascadia represents a North American region that includes Oregon and Washington State and the Canadian province that is British Columbia. Carlisle City boss James Nichols takes charge of the side that boast the likes of former MLS star James Riley, and former Canadian youth international Calum Ferguson.
Northwood FC will play host to the teams with kick-off at 15:00 BST. The eighth tier club were “very close to completely closing” in 2014 according to chairman Ian Barry. But with a modernised clubhouse now in place, they are now the “envy” of fellow clubs.
How are the sides preparing?
Gilbert’s side have been making great strides in their preparation following a friendly fixture against Camelford FC. They passed that test with flying colours. A massive 7-1 win will provide a timely confidence boost, though Cascadia will prove a much sterner challenge.
Nichols has also been making the finishing touches to his squad for the upcoming game. He secured the addition of former Lincoln City, Hereford United and Canadian international Gavin McCallum, who could join an elite set of players to have scored for two international teams. There was also interest in former Aston Villa, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion defender Liam Ridgewell, who qualifies for Cascadia following his five-year spell with Portland Timbers in the MLS.
What have the staff said?
Cacadia boss Nichols told Prost “We’ve all missed football probably even more than we first thought. The boys are absoloutely buzzing at the chance to get out on the field again.
I’d like to thank I’d like to thank Cornwell most sincerely for coming up to London to play this game. Without them this wouldn’t be happening and we hope to provide them a warm Cascadian welcome albeit miles from home.
Both Northwood FC and the students from UCFB have contributed to make this event and even more memorable occasion than it would’ve been.
Prost Soccer has always been a great friend of the Cascadian team but the fact that they have put up trophy and silverware for both sides to play for, goes above and beyond expectations.
One of these sides will collect a trophy. They’re also working to stream the game online so our fans in Cascadia can see their team.
Lastly thank you to my players without whom we wouldn’t have a team.
I’ve been in the game a long time but I can’t recall an adrenaline buzz like this one for many a year.
Roll on 3 o’clock on Saturday and a chance to play football in front of the people who matter most – real football fans.”
Kernow’s Director of Football Andrew Bragg explained to Prost “First of all I’d like to thank the Cascadia FA & all their backroom staff for making this fixture possible.
We at Kernow were obviously disappointed after the cancellation of both the World Cup & European Championship but with our eyes firmly set on aiming to qualify for the next CONIFA International tournament what could be a better way to start than with a monumental fixture verses Cascadia.
We hope to bring the passion, history & supporters of Kernow to London and make this an auspicious occasion!”
How can I watch the game?
Tickets for the match remain on sale and can be ordered online to ensure you won’t be turned away on the day. Follow this link to get yours! An adult ticket is only £10, OAPs, students and 16 to 18-year-olds can attend for just £5, whilst under 16’s go free! Northwood Hills is the nearest tube station.
Whilst those who cannot physically attend the fixture will be delighted to know that the whole 90 minutes pul further coverage will be streamed live across the world on the Prost International YouTube Channel. Commentary will also be provided by the insightful Christof Walker of “CWSportRadio”.
Sponsorship Packages act as a great way to show your support for both teams and non-league football. Contact +44 7743260395 for information on a variety of opportunities.
Prost International visits Northwood FC
