The 2016/17 season gets underway this Saturday when Mourneview Park sees League Champions Crusaders take on Irish Cup winners Glenavon in the curtain-raising Charity Shield.

The game will once again benefit the Northern Ireland Hospice, supporting its world class palliative care services as well as staff, patients and their families. Northern Ireland Hospice recently opened a £13m dementia-friendly hospice in Belfast: an 18 bedroom facility that provides the highest quality care to patients and support for their loved ones. The new hospice also includes an In Patient Unit, a Day Hospice, an education and research centre, private patient gardens, family facilities and a community nursing hub. It costs £6m per year for the Northern Ireland Hospice to provide its services, both in the hospice and community.

Heather Weir, NI Hospice CEO, said “Northern Ireland football clubs and the local fans have been great supporters of the Northern Ireland Hospice throughout the years. Last year’s final was a great spectacle and we hope this season’s opener will just be as entertaining.”

Admission charges to the game have been fixed at £8 Adult, £5 Seniors and 12-16 year olds. Under 12s will be admitted free. Glenavon season ticket holders are asked to note that their tickets are not valid for this game.

Please note that access to the car park will not be permitted after 2.30 pm.