Bristol to take on Exeter in annual university charity match
The University of Bristol men’s lacrosse team is set to host its annual charity match against the University of Exeter in memory of former Bristol player Matt Ward in the BUCS Premier South league on Wednesday 21 January.
Heading into its ninth year, the match will raise money for the Bristol Samaritans in 2026 having been selected once again in collaboration with Matt Ward’s family.
The Bristol Samaritans focus on supporting individuals struggling with their mental health, providing emotional support to those in need of a safe space to talk within the Bristol area.
The charity match has always been an exciting affair with Bristol coming out on top in the last four events - 9-8 in 2021/22, 9-4 in 2022/23, 15-4 in 2023/24, and 6-4 in 2024/25.
Last year’s event raised a massive £1028 for the Charlie Waller Trust and Bristol is hoping to match that total this year.
Taking place at the University of Bristol’s Coombe Dingle Sports Centre astro-turf pitch, the charity match will face-off at 7:30pm and spectators are welcome to watch the match for a suggested donation of £3 (cash and card will be accepted on the day and donations of any amount will be accepted).
The University of Bristol Lacrosse Club has also set up its own Just Giving page, allowing people to donate as much as they want and from anywhere in the world with all proceeds going to the Bristol Samaritans.