Footballing legend Allan Clarke, who played for Walsall between 1963 and 1966, is helping to launch a new initiative in partnership with Rushall Olympic and the Children’s Football Alliance.
Allan will be guest of honour at the friendly at Dales Lane against Aston Villa XI on Tuesday, 1 August, when the stadium will become a UEFA-recognised Peace Field, named in honour of the British and Allied troops who called a truce on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 1914.
Dales Lane will become one of 65 Peace Fields worldwide, offering schools, clubs and groups the opportunity to play on the club’s pitch.
As well as playing for Walsall, Allan played for Leicester Leeds, Barnsley and Lincoln and represented his country, scoring 10 goals in 19 appearances.
“It is always an honour to come back home to the Black Country,” said Allan. “I was only too happy to accept the invitation from Rushall Olympic chairman John Allen, and vice-chairman Nick Allen to launch the Allan Clarke Peace Field at Dales Lane Stadium.
“This project will do much to bring football to all youngsters within the local community regardless of their circumstances, so they too can have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game.”
The Peace Field project site will be unveiled prior to kick-off at 6.30 pm on Tuesday, 1 August. The match kicks off at 7.45 pm.