Wembley Stadium Manager Donates FA Cup Final Tickets to Aid Cancer Charity

Paul Smyth, General Manager at Wembley Stadium, has contributed two pairs of tickets to the 2026 FA Cup Final, scheduled for May at Wembley, along with overnight hotel accommodations, to benefit Team Solan, a cancer charity based in Spennymoor that supports families across the North East.

Team Solan offers financial aid, emotional support, and practical assistance to families dealing with cancer diagnoses and treatments. The charity is now running a raffle-style competition, allowing supporters to enter for a chance to win this exclusive experience.

Entries cost £10 each, with participants entered into a draw to win two tickets to the Emirates FA Cup Final, an overnight hotel stay, and the opportunity to attend one of football’s most prestigious events live. Two prize packages are available, meaning two winners will be selected. The live draw will take place on Team Solan’s Facebook page at 11am on 1st May. Supporters may enter multiple times to improve their chances.

Although Paul Smyth currently resides in London, he maintains strong ties to Spennymoor and is deeply aware of the impact cancer has on families. Having known Mark Solan, Team Solan’s founder, since childhood, Paul has witnessed the charity’s significant role in supporting those affected by cancer. Personal family experiences with the illness have further motivated his involvement.

Paul reconnected with Mark during a visit to Wembley last year, which inspired him to contribute to the cause.

Paul Smyth commented: “The North East will always be home for me, and Team Solan is a charity that means a great deal to so many people there, including my own family. Cancer affects entire families, not just individuals, and the support Team Solan provides is incredible. I’m proud to be able to donate these tickets and hopefully help raise vital funds for such an important cause.”

Team Solan has established itself as a vital resource within the local community, assisting families in managing the emotional and practical challenges of cancer, while offering ongoing care and connection when it is most needed.

Mark Solan expressed gratitude for Paul’s support, saying: “We’re incredibly grateful to Paul for this amazing gesture. His generosity will not only give two people a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Wembley, but it will also help us continue supporting families when they need it most. The response from the community so far has been fantastic, and it just shows how much people care.”