Northumbria Police and Team Sunderland prepare for the sixth edition of the Cameron Scarratt Trophy
Written by Charlie Walker on 1st October 2025
Northumbria Police and Team Sunderland are coming together once more to raise money in memory of former University of Sunderland student and Northumbria Police detective, Cameron Scarratt.
Image credit: Chris Thornley
On Monday 20th October, the charity football matches will be played at the Ford Quarry Football Hub. At 7:30pm, the University of Sunderland’s men’s football team kick off against Northumbria Police FC. The women’s teams will play each other at 8pm, along with the Northumbria Police FC Veterans facing the University staff.
Since 2019, the men’s football club have annually battled it out against Northumbria Police FC for the Cameron Scarratt Trophy, with Sunderland boasting four consecutive wins. The police force came out on top in the first charity match, winning a thrilling game 5-4 after being 4-1 down in the first half.
The University of Sunderland’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Sir David Bell, said:
“I am very pleased that, once again, Team Sunderland and Northumbria Police will be competing for the Cameron Scarratt trophy.
“Over the years, this has been a lively encounter and much enjoyed by everyone who has taken part.
“Even better, it has been a brilliant opportunity to raise money for a range of good causes in memory of a brave police officer, Cameron Scarratt.”
Image credit: Danny Jackson-Brown
When talking about the charitable nature of the event, the Vice-Chancellor said: “Through this football match, we honour Cameron’s memory at the same time as raising funds for charity – the perfect combination as far as I am concerned.
“So, I hope that everyone will, as in previous years, give generously…and may the best team win!”
Danny Jackson-Brown, of University of Sunderland men’s football, said the charity fixture represents a “personal connection between the university, the police force, and (Cameron’s) family”.
Jackson-Brown added: “It is a great partnership, the police do a lot in the community, and the university not for the same reasons, do a similar sort of thing.”
“Northumbria Police wanted to do something in his honour, and, after looking backwards in his life, decided to make a long-lasting event with the university.”
Last season, Team Sunderland ran out 5-1 winners in an event which raised over £2200 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Every year has seen over £1000 donated to various charities, commemorating the late Cameron Scarratt, who passed away in July 2019.
Image credit: Danny Jackson-Brown
John, of Northumbria Police FC, highlighted how the money raised each year shows “the popularity of the event, whereby we are getting people together and raising money for a good cause.
“It is always a good game with a friendly rivalry, I am desperate for us (Northumbria Police) to win this year!”
Laura Hockaday, Sport Development Assistant Manager at the University of Sunderland, outlined how the meeting brings the university and police force together.
Hockaday said: “It’s not only an opportunity to remember Cameron but also a fantastic night of sport and fundraising.
“Bringing together two key aspects of his life through the University and Northumbria Police always makes this an evening to cherish.”
