Woodall Cup travels to Greater Manchester
Ten years after the loss of Constable Dan Woodall, members of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) honoured his legacy with a special tribute soccer match against the Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
“This homecoming match meant a lot to us, it was a celebration of Dan’s legacy, bridging two police services and the communities that he gave his heart to,” said Constable Bruce McGregor, who plays on the EPS Blues Soccer Team and worked alongside Constable Woodall in Southwest Branch Patrol.
Constable Woodall was tragically killed in the line of duty on June 8, 2015, while attempting to arrest a hate crime suspect in Edmonton. His death was not only deeply felt here, but across the ocean in Greater Manchester, England – where he grew up, and served with the GMP, prior to moving his family to Edmonton and joining the EPS.
Dan loved soccer, so those who knew him felt it would be a fitting tribute to play a friendly “football’ match in his memory, and soon the Woodall Cup became an annual tradition celebrating the values of teamwork, community, and unity that he held dear.
To mark the 10th anniversary of Dan’s passing, the EPS Blues Soccer Team travelled to Greater Manchester to meet his former police colleagues and face off against the GMP Football Club for the Woodall Cup on May 9, 2025. This was the second match between the two teams, who originally played in Edmonton the year after Dan’s death.
GMP Detective Sergeant Dominic Beaver, who travelled to Edmonton for the Woodall Cup in 2016, welcomed the fellow police officers for the rematch.
“We’ve been really looking forward to seeing them again and giving them a good glimpse into how things work over here,” Detective Sergeant Beaver said. “Dan knew an old school friend of mine who lives in Edmonton and that’s how I became involved. These tragedies are always felt across the police family, especially when there are links to home.”
Dan’s family moved back to Greater Manchester after his death, and his youngest son Callen had the opportunity to join the Edmonton team on the field as they played in his dad’s honour. After the game, Callen presented the trophy to the EPS Blues who won 4 – 1, and Claire Woodall, widow of the fallen officer, also had the opportunity to thank the players on behalf of her family.
“It means so very much to our family that Dan's life is remembered,” said Claire. “The Woodall Cup has linked Dan’s English roots to his life in Canada through football, and it was such a fantastic surprise to find out the game would be played in Manchester this year.”
“This is such an honour for our two boys to know the impact their father had, and we’ll always have a special place in our hearts, and forever be linked to, the wonderful citizens of Edmonton.”
While in Greater Manchester, the EPS Blues had the opportunity to play a series of memorial games – including a match with son Callen’s team, the Trafford Youth Warriors, a friendly with the GMP Veterans, and an all-star charity match against former Premier League players.
The policing brotherhood between EPS and GMP concluded their time together with a bittersweet visit to the GMP Training Facility, where a memorial garden honours officers who died in the line of duty – including a maple tree planted in memory of Constable Woodall.
Constable Woodall’s legacy will also be honoured privately by EPS in Edmonton nearer the anniversary of his death in June.
“We’re proud to play for Dan – our friend, teammate, and hero – who lived with courage, compassion, and a love for both community and this glorious game,” added Constable McGregor.
“Dan leaves behind a legacy of service, sportsmanship, and sacrifice that continues to live on in our hearts and on the field. Fallen but never forgotten, we continue to play on in his memory.”
Underscoring their dedication to honouring Constable Woodall’s legacy, players on the EPS Blues Soccer Team covered their own travel expenses for the trip to Greater Manchester. The annual Woodall Cup has been made possible by the generous support of the Edmonton Police Association, EPS members clubs, and other sponsors.
\