La Laguna Launches 13th Charity Football Match for Serpe

The 13th charity football match, "Friends of Pedro Gutiérrez vs. Friends of María José Pérez," was officially launched at the Captains' House in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. This special Christmas event, happening on Saturday, December 27, aims to raise money for the Spanish Society of Pediatric Rheumatology (Serpe). All proceeds from this year's match will go to Serpe.

The game will take place at the Izquierdo Rodríguez football pitch in Tejina and will feature an impressive lineup. Players will come from different backgrounds, including current football stars like Ayoze Pérez, Moleiro, Maikel Mesa, and Juanma Herzog. Football legends such as Suso Santana, Ayoze García, Vitolo, Cristo Marrero, and Guayre will also join, alongside well-known journalists and local officials, including Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez.

Badel Albelo, president of La Laguna's Autonomous Sports Organization (OAD), opened the presentation. He will also play in the match. He said, "It's a real honour for our town to host such a big charity event again. We're not just celebrating its 13th year, but also how this charity match has grown to bring together so many important people from our islands."

Juan José Bethencourt Baute, representing Serpe, thanked everyone for their support on behalf of the patients. He stressed that "the goal is for children to be able to develop normally, while, of course, controlling the disease."

Airam Alonso Siverio, spokesperson for the Pingui Runners Association, thanked the OAD of La Laguna and everyone involved for "the chance to give the cause more visibility." He also encouraged people to come to the match and show their support.

Finally, the two team captains, María José Pérez and Pedro Gutiérrez, spoke about the event's importance. María José Pérez, a CD Tenerife Women's player, said participants would have "a great time, as always, with the main goal of helping as much as possible." Pedro Gutiérrez hoped that "this charity match continues and becomes another Christmas tradition."

Besides the exciting football match, refereed by Marta Huerta de Aza and Manuel Ángel Pérez Lima, the event will also include a Canarian wrestling display by the Tegueste and Valle Guerra schools. There will be musical performances by Pepe Benavente, Ray Castellano, and Renzzo. Tickets cost a symbolic three euros, with all proceeds going to SERPE, making it a heartfelt act of solidarity during the festive season.