Game on!
It will be a chance to emulate their Premier League heroes on the field of dreams whilst raising money for a Hampshire children’s charity at the same time.
Staff from two major employers in Southampton take part in a friendly match at the home ground of the Saints before the pitch turf is replaced for the club’s 2017-18 campaign.
From left, R&M’s chairman Brian Robinson, team captain Martin Harris and group sales director Andrew Chandler with Trant Engineering captain Philip Trant and chairman Patrick Trant.
Trant Engineering, the multi-disciplinary contractor, and electrical group R&M play the 90-minute charity game at St Mary’s Stadium on Monday, 22nd May.
Money raised by the event, which sees 38 selected players emerge from the tunnel for a 10am kick-off in front of spectators, will go to the Flutterby Fund.
The charity helps improve the lives of physically and mentally impaired children, from low-income families across the UK, at Sophia’s House, a treatment clinic in Bursledon, near Southampton; the therapies are not available on the NHS.
An online donations page has been set up with a target of £6,000.
Patrick Trant, Chairman of Trant Engineering, the multi-disciplinary contractor with 1,000 staff, said: “Whilst the event will be memorable fun, there is a serious aspect – we are raising vital funds for the Futterby Fund, a local charity close to my heart.
“The main aim of the treatment is to encourage and increase each child’s ability to move and function in as normal a way as possible.
“We’re grateful for the generosity of our suppliers and clients, as well as staff and their families.”
Brian Robinson, Chairman of R&M, which has 200 staff, said: “We eagerly await the game, following in the footsteps of Saints legends, and knowing that a great cause will benefit as well.
“From the dressing rooms to the tunnel, to kicking the ball about on hallowed turf and a presentation ceremony afterwards, the two sides will get the full match-day experience
“The nature of the game is very much a friendly one, with rolling substitutes to give every person a chance to play on the pitch.”
Match skippers are Philip Trant for Trant Engineering and Martin Harris for R&M.
Watch Sophie’s House at work
R&M group chairman Brian Robinson, left, with Trant Engineering chairman Patrick Trant.
