Doncaster Rovers are joining forces with all 72 Football League Clubs in a united week of action to raise awareness and vital funds for Help for Heroes - The Football League's Official Charity Partner for the 2009/10 season.
Football for Heroes week will take place between March 6 and 14 allowing the whole of The Football League to show its support for the efforts of our Armed Forces.
Doncaster Rovers will be holding their game against Derby County on 13th March 2010.
"These people support and defend us at great cost so we wanted to give something back by giving them a good day out and give them moral support. We will be inviting local soldiers and guests to the game such as the two injured lads Craig Wood and Ben Parkinson. We have had others as guest throughout the season and will continue to support the 'Help for Heroes Campaign throughout the season and beyond'"
During the week of action, the Keepmoat Stadium is hosting a wide range of events designed to produce the maximum coverage and awareness of the charity which helps rehabilitate members of the British Armed Forces injured in the line of duty.
This will include:
- A promotional photo shoot featuring Brian Stock and Sean O'Driscoll.
- Doncaster Rovers and Derby County will emerge from tunnel behind a Help for Heroes banner
- The respective captains and the match officials will pose for a photo at kick-off with a Help for Heroes banner
- Sean O'Driscoll and Nigel Clough will wear Help for Heroes wristbands for the duration of the game
- Rovers' first team will sign a Football League Help for Heroes ball which will then be auctioned off for the charity
- Holding a bucket collection outside the ground before the game
- Members of local armed forces have been invited to attend the game
- Members of the armed forces will form a guard of honour as the teams enter the pitch
- A child from a local armed forces family will be matchday mascot
- Have a local member of the armed forces that has been injured or benefitted from the work done by Help for Heroes as Guest of Honour at the match
Lord Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League said: "The contribution being made by our armed forces around the world is both outstanding and humbling. As a nation we seldom thank them enough for the sacrifices they make. The Football for Heroes week will provide an excellent opportunity for supporters to show their appreciation for the work they do."
