Today sees the launch of the 2014 “Spot The Ballers” calendar featuring 12 of the Airtricity League’s hunkiest players. Well 12 of the bravest anyway. Gary O’Neill’s announcement that he had testicular cancer saw a hugely positive response from the League of Ireland community and this fundraising calendar is one of the more eye-catching initiatives.
We talked to one of those brave hunks, Shamrock Rovers midfielder, James Chambers to get the story behind it
So James, who had the idea for a (nearly) naked calendar?
We said around as a committee and floated a few ideas about. I think it was Aido Price or Stephen McGuinness that first mentioned it and we were looking for something a little out of the ordinary so thought why not?
Were the lads nominated by their team mates or approached by the PFAI?
We asked lads that we thought would be up for it and that would be known around the league and at their clubs. There was a couple who said it wasn’t their thing but there was even more who were willing to get involved.
Obviously most of the proceeds are going to the Gary O’Neill fund, how has he felt having players and fans of practically every club doing some sort of fundraiser?
He’s overwhelmed to be honest. I don’t think he can get used to the fact that he has so many people supporting him. He said to us when we went for lunch recently “what would have happened if I worked in a factory”. Just shows you how tight the league can be.
Do you think LOI players have been made more aware of men’s health issues because of that? Do you see a role for the league in promoting that beyond the Gary fund?
Yeah I think all the player thought “that could have been me”. We haven’t really talked about anything other than this fundraising drive for Gary but who knows? If this calendar takes off we might have to look at doing it again next year
On the day of the shoot did you see much fake tan or make-up?
(Laughing). No, no fake tan that I seen. We had a make-up artist on the shoot but that was only for making sure the faces were ok for the cameras. Nothing went on the bodies!
Anyone sucking in a bit of a gut?
Ha, no, nobody sucking in a gut. A few hidden socks maybe!
Have any agents contacted you or the lads about doing a bit of modelling on the side. I see the likes of Jake Kelly and Luke Byrne were put up the front?
They were only up the front because they’re the shortest I haven’t had any offers yet but if any agents want me, they should get in touch! The whole day was great craic. Something different that I never expected I’d do.
Finally, what you looking forward to most next year, the start of the season or when your month comes around?
Ha. I’ll say the season because that comes first but when that’s over I’ll be looking forward to my month (December).
The PFAI along with their official fundraising partner icharityu.com have brought 12 players together, one from each premier division club to make a calendar in order to raise funds for Gary O' Neill in his battle against testicular cancer. The project was funded by Ford and a percentage of all profits will also go to the Irish Cancer Society. The calendar is available from HMV as well as the club shops at Drogheda United, Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic.They will also be available to buy at the Aviva stadium on the day of the FAI Ford cup final on Sunday the 3rd November.
