Legendary Saints, Cobblers and Steelbacks players will take to the Sixfields pitch in April
Legendary Saints, Cobblers and Steelbacks players will take to the Sixfields pitch in April for a charity football match in aid of the Leon Barwell Foundation.
The charity, set-up in honour of the former Saints Chairman, who died in June 2013 aged 46 following a battle with cancer, will support families affected by the disease by providing financial support in order to help create lasting memories.
Taking place on Sunday 12th April 2015 at the home of the Cobblers, the match will see a host of Northamptonshire Sport icons return to the county, alongside a number of special guests.
The first players to be announced for the event are former Saints and England duo Martin Bayfield and Matt Dawson, former Cobblers managers Colin Calderwood and Ian Sampson, and former Northants and England cricketer Devon Malcolm.
Tickets for the match can be purchased at the Cobblers ticket office and on-line here. Advanced tickets are priced just £10 for adults, £4 for concessions, with carers and children aged seven and under admitted free of charge. Other outlets will be confirmed soon.
Matt Dawson, England World Cup Winner and Saints legend, said:
“Having got to know Leon and the Barwell family well during my time with the Saints, it fills me with pride to be able to help raise money for what is a tremendous cause. The match will be a truly unique occasion and one I can’t wait to be part of, and hopefully the whole of Northamptonshire will get behind it and fill the stands at Sixfields.”
David Cardoza, Chairman of Northampton Town Football Club, said:
“I was fortunate enough to know Leon and his sad and untimely passing was felt by us all.
“I am delighted we are able to stage this game. Hopefully the sporting family of Northamptonshire will come together to pay tribute to a wonderful man and to raise money for an excellent cause. It is typical of Leon that through this foundation he is still helping local people even after his passing. We hope this match will be well supported and will raise as much money as possible for a terrific local cause."
Ian Sampson, former Cobblers manager and second on the club's all-time appearances list, said:
"Having spent a large part of my professional football career in the county I am delighted to participate in this event to raise awareness and funding to support families in Northamptonshire affected by cancer. I am sure not just fans of the county's teams but the public in general will come in numbers to support this event."