Former professional footballers are picking up the bat and pads to take on former cricketers at their own game.
They are taking part in a pro-celebrity cricket match this Sunday, July 3, at Woollams Playing Fields, the Old Albanians Sports Ground in St Albans.
It is between Herts-based charity the Willow Foundation and a Lords Taverners XI to raise funds for both charities.
The Willow XI will be captained by the charity’s co-founder, former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson, and among the football celebrities taking part will be another former Arsenal goalie, David Seaman, Perry Groves of Arsenal and Tottenham’s Martin Chivers.
From screen and radio will be Andy Jacobs (TalkSPORT presenter), Charles Dale (Coronation Street) and John Hammond (BBC weather forecaster) together with former professional cricketers Saj Mahmood (England and Essex), Matthew Boyce (Leicestershire), Min Patel (England test) and Neil Burns (Leicestershire and Somerset).
Bob Wilson said: “I am very much looking forward to the match, it’s long overdue. We have a friendly rivalry with the Lord’s Taverners team.
“It’s always an entertaining day for the players and spectators and of course what a fantastic venue. Hopefully we’ll raise lots of money to help young people coping with life-threatening conditions in Hertfordshire and beyond as well as much needed funds for Lord’s Taverners.”
Mike Keith, chairman of the Lord’s Taverners St Albans Chapter, added, “The Lord’s Taverners raise over £3 million every year to give young people, particularly those with special needs, a sporting chance. On behalf of Lord’s Taverners I would like to thank Bob Wilson and of course the Lord’s Taverner’s for assembling such star studded teams, as well as players from both sides giving up their time to help raise funds for the charities.”
The match starts at 2pm and tickets at £5 will be available on the gate. They can also be booked in advance from here or by calling Jessica Farnan at Willow on 01707 259 777.
Tickets can also be purchased at £60 for a package which includes welcome drinks, auctions, buffet lunch with wine, a magic act, afternoon tea and prize-giving in the marquee.
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