British Army v The FA Legends
Charity Game
4pm, Saturday 18 May 2013
The Madejski Stadium, Reading FC
Roy Hodgson and Stuart Pearce will go head-to-head at the Madejski Stadium in May, as The FA help celebrate 125 years of football in the British Army.
A star-studded line-up of FA Legends, managed by England Manager Hodgson, take on the current British Army team who will be bossed by Under-21s Head Coach Pearce for the day.
And with the likes of Jens Lehmann, Gary Neville, Gareth Southgate, Paul Merson, Ledley King, Matt Le Tissier and Dietmar Hammann amongst those lining up for The FA Legends, it promises to be a special day in the historic calendar of Army Football, founded in 1863.
The FA have donated £10,000 to help get the event off the ground with ticket sale proceeds going to Service charities that promote sporting opportunities for soldiers, including wounded warriors who play sport as part of their rehabilitation.
The fixture also forms part of The FA’s 150th anniversary, with a fantastic fixture list and events to excite football fans across the country.
Speaking about the fixture, FA Chairman David Bernstein said: "We at The FA greatly value our close relationship with the Armed Forces and believe that we should celebrate their work whenever possible.
"In fact, the Army has a proud heritage with The Football Association going all the way back to our formative years in the 1860s. This match will be more than fitting, especially with the Army FA marking their 125th anniversary.
"To get to this point, I have had several meetings with General Brealey, not least last November when Royal Engineers met Wanderers in a restaging of the first ever FA Cup Final at the Oval.
"I have been very impressed with the General and his team’s determination to make this match happen and the efforts that have been made over many months."
FA President, HRH Duke of Cambridge, has chosen to support the event and added: “As President of The FA, I am delighted our anniversary year is being used to mark the 125th birthday of Army football.
“Exciting plans are being put in place for a joint FA and Army FA celebration match at Reading on the 18 May, with all proceeds going to Forces charities.
“My thanks go to all who are supporting this fantastic project. It really promises to be a landmark event in what is a major year for football in this country. Good luck to everyone involved.”
Tickets are keenly priced at £12 (£6 for concessions) and we are aiming for a full house at Reading.
Visit www.ArmyFA125.com for more details.
