Page 46 - link magazine

Big Match Town unveil tribute to their fallen heroes

on its way

to Swindon

CHARITY football event ‘The Big
Match’ is coming to Swindon
Town Football Club on Saturday
9 May.
The event will feature
celebrities, footballing legends
and the chance for Swindon Town
fans to appear on the hallowed
turf at the County Ground, all in
the name of charity.
The Big Match is in aid of
Action for Children and The Brain
Tumour Charity, with organisers
looking for local people who SWINDON Town have unveiled Members of the first team The plaque sits above the
would like to fundraise and take a Roll of Honour plaque, playing squad and manager tunnel, in the spot where a
part in the match, to get involved. commemorating former players Mark Cooper were present plaque once resided on the
Alongside the event there will who made the ultimate sacrifice as the plaque was officially old wooden stand that existed
also be a training session ‘The during the First and Second unveiled at the start of before the current Arkell’s Stand
Big Match Kidz’ on the County World Wars. December. was built in the early 1970s.
Ground’s pitch, which will allow
children aged between five and
15 to get involved, register and Ryan not itching for action
raise funds whilst having a lot
of fun.
On the day there will be lots of SWINDON Wildcats coach Ryan dress for certain reasons, although
family fun from bouncy castles to Aldridge is happy enough guiding I probably didn’t want to and I
penalty shoot-outs, as well as the his side from the bench and has probably don’t miss it.
chance to meet the event mascot, no immediate desire to return to “There are always times when I
Fergal the Fox and The Star Wars the ice. could probably put my equipment
Storm Troopers. The experienced EPL player on and get involved but I can’t
Following the match there will has opted to stay away from really stand the sight of it. Will
be ‘Extra Time’, the glitzy after playing action this season, having I miss it in the next couple of
event party, with tickets going on threatened to do so on a number years? Yes, I probably will, but
sale soon for this star-studded of occasions only to eventually that’s the time for me to go off
event. take to the ice when injuries have and play recreational hockey.
Event sponsor Steve Fawke, struck in previous seasons. “The times this year when I’ve
of the Brunel shopping centre, However, the 36-year-old isn’t missed it have been when I don’t
said: “Having been involved with expecting the same to happen think we’ve battled hard enough,
this wonderful charity event this year. but I don’t think I can play at that
for three years now in Reading, He said: “I think I probably level anymore anyway so there’s
I’m delighted it’s coming to retired once and that was when no point in me being out there.
Swindon.” I was in Basingstoke because “I don’t think I can 100 per cent
For more information and to I needed to concentrate on say I won’t play again, but we
find out how to get involved, log Wildcats head coach Ryan Aldridge coaching, especially at that level. would have to be in absolute dire
onto www.thebigmatch.co.uk is happy enough on the sidelines Since then I’ve been needed to straights for me to come back.”
Lydiard

are rugby

champs
JANUARY FIXTURES @ SWINDON ICE ARENA
Thursday 1 Jan (4pm), EPIHL:
Swindon Wildcats v Basingstoke Bison THE Lydiard Park
Sat 3 Jan (6pm), EPIHL:
Swindon Wildcats v Guildford Flames Academy Year 7 rugby
Sat 10 Jan (6pm), EPIHL: squad ended the season
Swindon Wildcats v Manchester Phoenix by winning the Swindon
Sat 17 Jan (6pm), EPIHL:
Swindon Wildcats v Telford Tigers schools championship,
Sat 24 Jan (6pm), EPIHL: and to test themselves
Swindon Wildcats v Peterborough Phantoms further, they took on and
Sat 31 Jan (6pm), EPIHL: beat renowned rugby
Swindon Wildcats v Sheffield Steeldogs playing school St John’s two boys were members training sessions we’re
Marlborough. of a local club, now encouraging more to
Deputy headteacher there are six. With join and play for clubs
Chris Dobbs said: “Only up to 40 attending throughout the season.”
46 swindonlink.com n January 2015