Sheffield to leave Don Valley Stadium in style
Sheffield will bring the curtain down on their time at Don Valley Stadium in style next Thursday, with their final ever league match at what has been the club’s home since 1991.
The Eagles’ game with Hunslet on Thursday 22nd August (kick off 7.30pm) will celebrate the work of the Armed Forces with a host of military events in the build up to kick off.
Sheffield have joined forces with ABF The Soldiers Charity and the local Territorial Army Regiments for the match.
Local ABF supporter, LBdr Ben Parkinson MBE, will carry out the match ball and present it to the referee.
The Soldier’s Charity give lifetime support to serving and former soldiers, and their families by giving grants to individuals and other specialist charities that help soldiers and their families.
Ben has been described by medical experts as ‘the most wounded soldier to survive his injuries’ after the Land Rover Ben was travelling in, detonated an anti-tank mine whilst on patrol in Afghanistan, September 2006.
He was part of the 7 Para Royal Horse Artillery and sustained horrific injuries but his determination has seen him learn to talk again and walk on prosthetic legs.
He captured the heart of the nation last year as he carried the Olympic torch through his home town of Doncaster, and in recognition of his tireless work for service charities Ben was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year Honours.
Soldiers and Standard Bearers will also form an honour guard as the team’s take to the field.
Eagles’ Marketing Manager, Liam Claffey said, “It will be a poignant and emotional night for many as the curtain comes down on our league fixtures at Don Valley after 22 years at the stadium.
“Based on our current league position we are still likely to have a home playoff match at Don Valley but the date and time for this will only be confirmed nearer the time.
“I’d encourage everyone to get down for what will be a very special night and I’d like to thank ABF The Soldiers Charity for helping to organise everything around this event.
“It’s great that they and the TA are involved in helping us celebrate the Armed Forces. This is a relationship which we aim to build on and we will look to host a game involving the armed forces every season.”