Foundation Day 2026 Spotlights Cancer Kickers

Foundation Day graphic with montage of Cancer Kicker participants and first team players.

Albion’s Sky Bet Championship showdown with Hull City on Saturday, March 14 (ko 3pm) marks this season’s dedicated Foundation.

West Bromwich Albion and The Albion Foundation will unite once again for Foundation Day 2026, which will take place at The Hawthorns on Saturday 14th March, when Albion host Hull City. This year’s occasion will shine a light on the Cancer Kickers Programme, celebrating its impact and raising awareness of cancer, early intervention, and the power of staying active throughout treatment and recovery.

A spotlight on Cancer Kickers

Cancer affects one in two people during their lifetime, and the Foundation’s Cancer Kickers initiative offers a safe, supportive space for those living with or recovering from cancer. Participants build physical and mental wellbeing, regain confidence, and connect with others who understand their journey. Foundation Day will bring the programme to the forefront, uniting the Albion family to raise awareness and vital funds to sustain this life-changing work.

Pre‑match: Awareness, action and solidarity

The Fanzone will open at 12pm, with a strong focus on health, support and early detection.

  • NHS cancer nurse specialists from Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust will host an activation area, offering prostate cancer risk checks based on age, family history and ethnicity. They will also be available to discuss wider cancer risks and answer questions from supporters, so everyone is welcome and encouraged to stop by, ask questions, and get clear information from experts.
     
  • Representatives from Prostate Cancer UK, NHS and Trust in Care will be on hand to provide guidance and support.
     
  • In a powerful show of solidarity, former Albion favourite Andy Johnson will have his head shaved live in the Fanzone, in partnership with BarberBoss, raising funds and awareness for the cause. Supporters are encouraged to gather, cheer him on and donate. Click here for more details.
     
  • Foundation staff and Cancer Kickers participants will be collecting donations around the stadium before kick-off and again at half-time.
     
  • Fans can also support by taking part in the Foundation's matchday lottery, Baggies Bonanza, with tickets available online or from sellers around The Hawthorns. This fixture will be the final bonus prize fixture of the season, so keep your eyes peeled for the bonus prize!
     
  • Cancer Kickers participants will proudly serve as flag bearers as the teams walk out, marking a poignant moment for everyone involved.

Deputy Director Jonathan Ward said: 
“We are delighted to shine the spotlight on our brilliant Cancer Kickers Programme for Foundation Day 2026. The initiative has just celebrated its one-year anniversary, and the positive impact it has made has been clear and inspiring. Many people we work with across the Foundation and the football club have been affected by cancer, and the message we want to encourage is simple: get tested and go for your check-ups. Early detection is key and could be the decision that saves your life.”

Half-time: Cancer Kickers vs Albion Legends

The interval will see the action return to the pitch as the Cancer Kickers take on a team of Albion legends in a walking football fixture. The legends’ line-up will include Bob Taylor, Andy Hunt, Daryl Burgess, Mark Grew, Kevin Kent, Joe Mayo, Gary Hackett, Brendan Batson and the iconic Tony “Bomber” Brown.

Post‑match: Signed shirts auction

After the final whistle, all match‑worn shirts will be signed and auctioned on the club website, with 100% of proceedsgoing directly to The Albion Foundation to support programmes like Cancer Kickers.

Supporters can also donate at any time by texting TAF to 70470.

Together, the Albion community can raise awareness, champion early detection, and ensure that no one faces cancer alone.