TWO football fans are teaming up for a charity match featuring lots of former professionals with the goal of raising money for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

Nicky Simmonds from Accrington and Ian Crowther from Clayton-le-Woods have signed up the likes of Blackburn Rovers legend Colin Hendry and ex-Accrington Stanley star Billy Kee to turn out for an ex pro XI against a Rosemere XI made up of current local league talent at AFC Darwen’s The Anchor Ground on July 16, at 7.30 pm.

Ian, who overcame testicular cancer following a 2008 diagnosis, said: “We have been organising this match for the past 14 months as we originally intended it to be played last summer.

“It was postponed due to the pandemic and it means we are confident it will now go ahead bigger and better.

“We have some great ex pros committed to play and are planning an auction, raffle and entertainment to make sure of a fantastic evening for both avid followers of the game and those that are less committed!”

The match is a ticket only event and there is an early bird offer until June 30 of tickets being £6 for adults, £3 for concessions and £1 for children.

After that date, adult tickets will cost £8, concessions £5 and child tickets £3. Tickets are available by visiting www.rosemere.org.uk