Liverpool fixture to promote club’s charitable arm
ALBION’S players will show their support for ‘The Albion Foundation’ on Sunday as the club’s charitable arm aims to raise awareness of, and funds for, their community-based work.
This weekend’s home date with Liverpool (ko 1.30pm) has been designated ‘Albion Foundation Day’ and will highlight the charity’s disability work and provision.
Pepe Mel’s players will warm up wearing Albion Foundation-branded t-shirts which will be thrown into the crowd before kick-off.
The Baggies will also don specially-designed jerseys for the match featuring the embroidered message: WBA v LIVERPOOL, 02.02. 14, THE ALBION FOUNDATION DAY. The shirts will be signed and auctioned via official website www.wba.co.uk next week to raise funds for the Foundation.
Five of the Foundation’s blind footballers will arrive at The Hawthorns on Sunday having completed ‘Walk the Albion Way’ – a six-day, 86-mile trek from Anfield to the Black Country.
The walkers will be welcomed onto the pitch during the half-time interval by a guard of honour, made up of Foundation staff, before performing a lap of honour.
For more information on ‘Walk the Albion Way’, click here.
Rob Lake, Director of The Albion Foundation, said: “We are very proud of all the work we do to make a difference and raise aspirations within our community.
“Our disability work is recognised nationally as an example of good practice.
“However, running disability teams is costly and we are always looking for ways to generate funds to maintain and increase our provision.
“All money raised from ‘Walk the Albion Way’ and Albion Foundation Day will make a huge difference and enable us to do more great work.
“We hope fans will be moved to get behind us.”
To donate to the Walk The Albion Way challenge, text WTAW14 to 70070 to donate £5, or visit: http://www.justgiving.com/albionfoundation.
Also on Sunday, Foundation staff will be giving away wristbands to supporters and there are two season tickets on offer to the fan who sends in the most unusual picture in their social media competition.
The charity will also be selling raffle tickets in corporate areas with a VIP day with the players at the training ground up for grabs.
At half-time a video featuring powerchair footballer, Daniel Kay, will be played on the big screens. To take a sneak peak, click here.
The Foundation was founded in 1992 and uses the medium of football and the kudos of West Bromwich Albion Football Club to raise aspirations among local people of all ages and abilities.
Each week, Foundation staff deliver over 650 hours of provision and work with more than 8,200 participants as they seek to meet sporting, recreational, health and educational needs in Sandwell, Dudley and surrounding areas.