A HOST of former Derby County and Burton Albion players and ex-England Internationals are lining up to play at a charity football match in memory of a five-year-old Mickleover boy.
Rams’ stars including Jake Buxton, Deon Burton, Lee Holmes and ex-England internationals Darren Bent and Des Walker will take on former Premier League stars Jermaine Pennant, Darren Ambrose, Marlon Harewood, David Thompson and many more.
The charity game on May 7 will take place at the Pirelli Stadium, the home of Burton Albion, and funds will be split between the Burton Albion Community Trust (BACT) and Sam’s Superheroes, a charity set up in memory of Sam Liew who died after developing a rare syndrome.
Before the match kicks off at 4pm there will be a family fun day starting at 2pm with inflatables, football activities, face painting, arts and crafts, magic and a petting zoo. There will also be superhero visits from Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman.
The fixture has been organised by former Rams player Pablo Mills and former Burton Albion players Aaron Webster and John McGrath, who is now first team manager at Mickleover FC.
Sam’s mum Rachel Liew said: “We are so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to raise money for Sam’s Superheroes, but also to get our new charity more widely known.
“The line-up of players is absolutely brilliant and the pre-match family fun day is going to be amazing – we have so many fantastic activities which we think the whole family will enjoy.
“It’s exactly the sort of event Sam would have loved himself and I hope that we get a really good turn-out, which will enable us to support more activities in our community.”
Sam’s Superheroes funds and carries out emotional, well-being and therapeutic activities based around kindness and Sam’s love of animals, crafting, outdoors, music and nature.
BACT is the charitable arm of Burton Albion Football Club and aims to create healthier, happier and stronger Communities in East Staffordshire and surrounding areas.
It engages with more than 7,000 people per week to raise aspirations and improve physical and mental health in the local community, with ages ranging from four years to 80-plus.
Rachel added: “We would love to hear from any local businesses who would be willing to sponsor the event or come along on the day and add to the fun and games.
“New players are signing up for the match all the time and we want to make the day as special as possible so any children’s performers, outdoor entertainment or food and drink vendors who would like to pitch in would be really welcome.”
Tickets for the pre-match fun day and the match cost £10 for adults and £1 for children and they are available to buy here: or by calling 01283 565938.
Anybody interested in hospitality, sponsorship packages or would like to know more about supporting the event, please contact rob.slater@burtonalbionfc.co.uk
To find out more about Sam’s Superheroes please visit the website Sam’s Superheroes
