Irish League players and supporters set to reverse roles for worthy cause at Mourneview Park

Organised by Jenny McClure, the ‘Walk A Mile In My Boots’ initiative will see Glenavon manager Michael O’Connor and assistant Andrew Doyle each coach a team with familiar faces from across Irish League football providing encouragement – or some words of advice.

Players from the likes of Linfield, Glentoran and many more have backed the event by sending in messages of support.

Money raised will go to both Man On, which supports men’s mental health through football, and Alternatives Restorative Justice, an organisation promoting conflict resolution, repairing harm, and building safer, more respectful communities.

The idea to reverse roles was sparked after McClure had read abusive comments on social media and wanted to highlight the impact of hateful words.

"It’s something I had been thinking about for a while,” McClure told ‘On The Spot Football Podcast’. “We were on our way to the Larne game and I was flicking through social media and seen some horrible comments that there was no need for.

"I thought ‘I want to do something, I want to help’. I have spoken to so many players who say it’s part of the job, but it shouldn’t have to be.

"I wanted to do something to help and maybe open people’s eyes to what they’re saying. I wanted to put them in their boots to see how it feels and ‘Walk A Mile In My Boots’ came about.

"I’m all for banter, I’m the first to give it out, but it’s when it gets personal, maybe includes family members or different things, even their looks.

"They’re not on the pitch to be runway models – they are there to be footballers. I don’t think personal abuse should come into it.

"You get excited and do shout things, I don’t want to remove passion from the game, I don’t want to silence fans – I want to show there is a lot of passion there but also that it can be hurtful, these comments can go home with the players and live long after the match.”

Irish League legend David Jeffrey is set to commentate on the match alongside Joel Neill, while former referee Lee Tavinder is stepping out of retirement to take up the whistle once again.

"They’ve got really into it and have seen it as a big opportunity, they’ve all had their own issues through management, commentary – everyone has their hardships,” added McClure. “Everyone jumped at the chance really.

"I’m excited for it. There’s a lot of nerves, a lot of small things people don’t think of that I have to iron out before the day.

"It’s not just a match but a fun day, I want it to be an open community event with kids and everybody to be there. I’m reaching out for people to support it and try to make a lot of money for a very worthy cause.”

With almost £1,000 already raised, you can donate to ‘Walk A Mile In My Boots’ here.