We are urging supporters to come and support two fantastic charities this Sunday as Kevin Bird's Mansfield Town Legends take on Soapstars/Celebs FC at One Call Stadium.
Former professional footballer Phil Walker has organised the match in honour of the legendary Kevin Bird, with all proceeds being split between Alzheimer's Society and Once Upon a Smile, a family bereavement charity.ÂKevin made 450 appearances over an 11-year spell for the Stags and was well-known for his no-nonsense approach to defending and his threat at the other end from set pieces. Bird scored an exceptional 63 goals during his Stags' career.Â
However, now 64, Kevin sadly suffers from dementia and the match on Sunday 14 May (3.00pm kick-off) is being held to raise much-needed funds for two fantastic charities.Â
The Alzheimer's Society's aim is to eradicate dementia from the world, but whilst they are still working on a cure, they are committed to providing as much support as possible to families who are affected by the disease.Â
Once Upon a Smile was founded in 2011 by actors Daniel Jillings and Danny Miller and they provide support to families who's loved ones have passed away.Â
Further to the match at One Call Stadium on Sunday, there are lots of other events taking place to help to raise money for these fantastic organisations.Â
The turnstiles for the Ian Greaves Stand will open at 11.30am and the first activity begins at 12.00pm.Â
There are 80 mascots signed up for the game and to make their day extra-special, they will enjoy a coaching session on the main pitch at One Call Stadium, provided by Mansfield Town's head of community Mark Hemingray and community manager Gary Shaw.Â
In addition to the coaching session, the mascots will also be able to enjoy a bouncy castle and our community department will take them on a guided tour of One Call Stadium.Â
All of the mascots will wear a replica Kevin Bird shirt, with the former defender's old number on the back - six.Â
Once the coaching has finished and One Call Stadium begins to fill, tannoy announcer Alan Wilson will be holding an auction for three fantastic prizes.Â
Former Stags' goalkeeper Andy Beasley, who is now working as goalkeeper coach at Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, has donated star striker Carlos Tevez's signed shirts to be auctioned off.Â
Also, former Stags' striker Nathan Arnold has donated one of his match-worn Lincoln shirts, whilst PFA chairman Gordon Taylor will be sending a signed shirt from PFA Player of the Year N'Golo Kante.Â
To win any of these fantastic items, attendees need to visit Alan in the PA box at the back of the Ian Greaves Stand lower tier to submit their bid.Â
The auction will begin as soon as Alan arrives at his PA box and will end at half-time of the charity match.Â
At 2.45pm on Sunday, as the players make their way onto the field of play, the balloon race will begin.Â
The balloon race is £2 to enter and the balloon which travels the furthest away from One Call Stadium will win a very special prize.Â
Whoever purchases a balloon will have their name written on a tag on the balloon and whichever balloon is reported to have travelled the furthest will win a week's holiday in a log cabin at Sand-Le-Mere holiday park in East Yorkshire, complete with their own private hot tub!
If you would like to enter the balloon race, please email Susan Bird - Kevin's wife - on bird324@btinternet.com.
The game will get underway at 3.00pm but there will be a momentary break in proceedings at 3.10pm when an RAF Spitfire will fly over One Call Stadium three times!Â
The teams are almost finalised, but there are still two special places up for grabs to appear in the Stags' squad.Â
Have you always dreamed of pulling on the Stags' shirt and walking out alongside legends such as Bobby Hassell and Dave Caldwell? Well now's your chance!Â
Two lucky supporters will win the opportunity to play 45 minutes of the match by bidding for their place!Â
The two highest bids at the moment stand at £150 and £250 and the deadline for bids is at 5.00pm on Saturday 13 May.Â
To submit a bid, please email Sue Bird on bird324@btinternet.com.
Tickets to watch the match are available in advance from www.stagstickets.co.uk or in person from our ticket office on Quarry Lane.Â
Alternatively, you can pay in cash on the day of the game at the first turnstile of the Ian Greaves Stand, closest to the Quarry Lane End.Â
Admission prices are as follows:Â
Adults: £5
Seniors, 7-17, students: £3
