All-star local derby for WaterAid

16 July 2009

Midlands footballing legend Cyrille Regis MBE is set to lead an all star West Bromwich Albion side in an exclusive derby match against a rival Wolverhampton Wanderers XI this August, in support of international charity WaterAid. Ex-professional players from both Black Country teams, including WBA, Manchester United and England star Bryan Robson, Wolves favourite Mel Eves and WBA striker 'Super' Bob Taylor, will battle it out in front of 6000 fans at Keys Park stadium in Cannock, Staffordshire on 2 August with a 12:45 kickoff. Football fans across the region will get the chance to watch an all star lineup of players including Gary Robson, Daryl Burgess, Dean Edwards and other famous names to be announced.

The match has been co-ordinated by former WBA footballer Cyrille Regis MBE who is a WaterAid celebrity ambassador. Regis has visited projects in Africa to gain first hand experience of the huge impact fundraising in the UK has on projects overseas, and is keen to raise awareness of the life-saving work of WaterAid ? an international charity dedicated to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education for some of the world's poorest people. Speaking ahead of the charity derby match, Cyrille Regis said:

"I was fortunate enough to visit the Hitosa Gravity Scheme in Ethiopia last year where WaterAid works with local partners and communities to improve access to safe, clean drinking water which can often mean the difference between life and death for many people. WaterAid can provide a lasting supply of clean water for just ?15. I'm absolutely honoured to be playing against some of my old footballing rivals in support of WaterAid, and we are delighted that so many fantastic ex-Wolves and WBA players have agreed to take part."

Hednesford Town FC manager and ex-Wolves player Dean Edwards, who will play in the Wolves XI commented:

"Keys Park is undoubtedly one of the best non-league grounds in the Midlands ? I've obviously got an advantage knowing the pitch so well. That said, if Albion put their strongest team out, they're a force to be reckoned with - however I'm confident there'll be a few lethal weapons in the Wolves side!"

Tickets cost ?9.50 for adults and ?5.50 for children, with a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) available for ?20. All credit card transactions are subject to a 50p administration charge. Tickets can be obtained by calling 01543 422 870.

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