The Reading FC Ex-Players Association are pleased to announce a sponsor for their Charity XI football team.

STAR, the Supporters' Trust at Reading, have kindly supplied the ex-Players team with a set of kit and the sponsorship continues the close links the two organisations have built.

"We share a common purpose and that is to promote the name of Reading Football Club in the community" said Richard Wickson, Secretary of the Reading FC Ex-Players Association.

Together with STAR, another local company have demonstrated their support of the charity team. Blade Printing Services of Swallowfield have kindly supplied the squad numbering, logo and the printing of the shirts.

Wickson added, "We are once again indebted to STAR and to Blade Printing for their support. We would find it difficult to continue without the kindness and generosity of local individuals, companies and organizations

"We are a charitable, non-profit making organisation and without this kind of support we would struggle".

Since its inauguration in 1997, the Ex-Reading FC Charity XI have helped to raise in excess of £45,000 for local and national charities and good causes.

Many former Reading players (and managers!) dust down their old football boots and battle against old age, tired limbs and give their time for the benefit of others.

Former Royals players to have recently appeared for the Charity team include Mick Gooding, Michael Gilkes, Jimmy Quinn, Adie Williams, Simon Osborne, John Polston and Darren Caskey.

The kit presentation was made before the Royals' home win against Blackpool last weekend and was an ideal opportunity to re-confirm the links that the Ex-Players Association also has with the Reading FC Community Trust programme.

Pictured are STAR Chairman Paula Martin, Ex-Players Association President Jimmy Wheeler, Mr Howard Vine of Blade Printing, George Friel - player and match co-ordinator of the Ex-Reading FC Charity football team, and Elaine New - the Club's Community Trust Office Manager.

If you would like the Ex-Reading FC Charity XI to help raise money for your chosen charity, then you can contact either Richard on 0118 9724473 or George Friel on 07590 505790.



Next fixture
The Reading FC Ex-Players Charity XI will be proudly wearing their new playing strip for the first time when they entertain a Thames Valley Police XI at Henley Town FC on Sunday 6th December.

A number of Reading legends have confirmed their interest in playing their part in the charity event. Included in the Reading squad is Mick Gooding, Adie Williams, Martyn Williams, Scott Taylor, John Polsten, Simon Osbourne, Tom Jones, and Michael Gilkes.

The match kicks-off at 2pm at Henley Town's ground in Mill Lane, situated just off the main A4155 Reading to Henley road. Entry is by match programme priced at £5 for Adults, £2 for Children.