Auckland clubs Central United and Mt Albert Ponsonby will play their annual match for the Brian Stanyer Memorial Trophy on Saturday March 16, 2024.
The game will be played at Auckland City’s Kiwitea St ground, kicking off at 2pm.
The friendly rivalry between the two Auckland clubs has helped keep alive memories of Mount Albert Ponsonby stalwart, the late Brian ‘Stan’ Stanyer.
After entering football at Eden FC in the 1970s, he fell in love with MAP when becoming a first-team player there in 1977.
And that’s where his passion remained until he died on October 13, 2016, aged 61.
Since then, MAP and Central United have played annually for the Brian Stanyer Memorial Trophy (see main photo), a chance for friends, family members and supporters of both clubs to remember ‘Stan’ and watch an entertaining game of football.
MAP are the current trophy holders, having won in 2020, 2021 and (after a break due to COVID) in 2023.
In 2023, playing at Western Springs’ Seddon Fields, MAP won 4-1.
Central United president Mate Tolj said: “‘Stan’ was one-of-a-kind, a larger-than-life character and a very committed football person. He dedicated so much of his time over many, many years to the game he loved and especially to his beloved Mt Albert-Ponsonby AFC.
“For me, this day represents much more than just a football game. By honouring Stan’s memory each year it also provides our clubs with a valuable opportunity to foster friendship and camaraderie.
“I am really pleased to see how the relationship between our clubs has developed since this match was first played, and I think Stan would also agree.”
MAP urged their supporters to attend the game, and remember Brian Stanyer.
“We all know what Stan meant to our club. He was a huge presence and did a phenomenal amount of work for us. Stan did just about every job there was. So we expect huge blue and gold support for this match.”
Fixture
Game to be played on Saturday March 16, 2024
Central United v Mt Albert Ponsonby
Kiwitea St, Sandringham, 2pm
Remembering Brian Stanyer
Click here to read an obituary of Brian Stanyer >>>>
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