Walsall at Wembley tee-shirts raise money for autism charity

Lifelong Walsall FC supporter and graphic designer Craig Coley came up with the idea for the shirt which is being sold in aid of Autism West Midlands.

His son Samuel, aged seven, has the condition and Mr Coley, 35, thought the game that will see the team play at Wembley for the first time in its 127-year history was a good way to raise much needed funds for the society.

His creative design features the phrase 'Walsall FC is for Life Not Just for Wembley'.

Orders are available online and the first garment was bought by dedicated club fan Luke Gibbons.

Mr Coley, now of Derbyshire, grew up in the Wednesbury area where members of his family still live.

"My son is autistic and I've never had the opportunity to raise money for a good cause before, but when we made the final I thought it was a brilliant way to support the charity which helps families and support the aide at the same time.

"I did some research on social media and quite a few of the fans responded. I designed the t-shirt and I hope people will put some orders in.

"I have been watching the Saddlers since I was five-years-old. In those days we played at Fellows Park. I used to go with my uncle Barry Greatrex and now we're looking forward to travelling to Wembley for the final."

The former Wood Green High School pupil said the clothing including hoodies which come in adult and teen sizes, with prices starting from £11.99 for tee-shirts in teen sizes and £14.99 in in adult-sized tee-shirts.

"It is amazing that we're going to Wembley and my hope is that the players will do well on the day."

All proceeds will go to Autism West Midlands and orders are available on website www.walsall.spreadshirt.co.uk

Walsall play Bristol City in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final on March 22.

Mr Gibbons, 19, an apprentice fabricator of Irvine Road, Bloxwich, said: "The tee-shirt is a great idea."