New date for charity match
A charity football match between former Aston Villa stars and a Staffordshire charity has been rescheduled after heavy rain forced the plug to be pulled on the initial date set.
A charity football match between former Aston Villa stars and a Staffordshire charity has been rescheduled after heavy rain forced the plug to be pulled on the initial date set.
The match between the Aston Villa Old Stars and children's charity BDF Newlife, of Hawks Green, Cannock, will now be on November 18 at Chasetown Football Club, The Scholars Ground, Church Street, Chasetown (11am). Money raised will help buy special equipment for families with disabled children in the region. The match was scheduled for July.
Heavy rain waterlogged the pitch and it had to be cancelled. It is hoped the game will increase awareness of birth defects and raise money for the charity.
Ex-professionals will turn out for BDF Newlife including ex-Spurs man Andy Turner, ex-Wolves Paul Jones and ex-Hednesford Town man Stewart Lake.
Aston Villa Old Stars chairman Neil Rioch said: "We were really disappointed that the appalling weather led to the cancellation of the game earlier in July, but the pitch was unplayable. Now we're back on track and very much looking forward to the rescheduled game."
Since it was formed in 1960, the Old Stars team has raised more then £3.5million for charity and good causes. Mr Rioch said: "The charity's operation is remarkable and helps so many children born with severe disabilities. For that reason we want to field our best available team.
"Our current squad of over 30 former players includes Villa legends such as Gordon Cowans, Tony Morley, Des Bremner, Steve Staunton, Mark Walters, Tony Daley, Paul Birch and many more."
Sheila Brown OBE, BDF Newlife chief executive, said: "I hope this is a match that will appeal to all football fans and that people will support both the ex-professionals and our own team.
"At the end of the day the real winners will be those disabled children in the region who we can provide with the vital equipment that improves their lives."
Admission is by match programme for £2.50 from Chasetown FC or BDF Newlife's store, Hemloc, Way, Hawks Green, or pay on the day. Details from Hayley Burlingham (01543 462777). Previously bought programmes are valid.
