Brighton & Hove Albion fans are being encouraged to celebrate the work done by Albion in the Community by wearing blue and white this Friday.
AITC’s annual Blue and White Day fundraising event takes place this week and the club’s official charity is asking people to get involved by wearing blue and white for the day in return for a small donation in support of its work.
Last year’s Blue and White Day raised more than £7,500, which was enough to fund two of the charity’s football sessions for people with a disability for an entire year - something which will have benefitted dozens of young people who otherwise may not have had the chance to play the sport they love.
With more than 40 local businesses and schools already signed up to take part this year, AITC is hopeful of topping last year’s total.
And in an added incentive for Albion fans to get involved, AITC is offering a signed picture of AITC ambassador and Seagulls ‘keeper Maty Ryan to the person who shares the best blue and white selfie on Twitter this Friday.
To be in with a chance of winning the picture, simply tweet a photo of you wearing blue and white using the hashtag #BlueandWhiteDay19 and tagging in @AlbionintheComm. AITC will then select its favourite and send the winner a direct message letting them know how to claim their prize – so fans taking part will also need to make sure they follow the charity on Twitter in order to receive confirmation.
AITC’s Mark Barkaway said everyone at the charity was looking forward to Friday and hoped as many Albion fans as possible would join in.
He said, “Events like Blue and White Day are incredibly important to AITC and help us raise funds which allow us to continue delivering such a wide range of programmes and sessions throughout all of Sussex.
“We have been overwhelmed by the fantastic support we have already received from local schools and businesses, with a record number getting in touch to tell us they will be holding blue and white dress down days, cake sales or other blue and white-themed fundraisers.
“Our team will be out and about with Gully on Friday visiting some of places taking part and we’d love to hear from Albion fans on social media about what they’re doing to celebrate Blue and White Day.
“Not only will Friday be a great way to support our work, but it will also a brilliant way to show your support for Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of Saturday’s game.”
Anyone who would like some last minute ideas on how to take part can download a fundraising pack online at: www.albioninthecommunity.org.uk/blueandwhiteday2019.
Fans who would like to donate in support of Blue and White Day can do so by texting BWDAY to 70085 to give £3.