Some unique news came out recently, as a rock star signs a deal with a non league outfit and gets set to make his debut aged 35.
Chris Batten of Enter Shikari, will adorn a the shirt of St Albans City – who his band sponsor – next weekend for a special match which takes place to raise funds for the Ukraine appeal.
The bass and vocalist is to swap stage for the pitch for unexpected debut in light of a good cause too, when the National League South side take on Dagenham & Redbridge in a friendly.
The time has come to finally make my professional footballing debut, all in aid of @decappeal . Thank you to @stalbanscityfc and @Dag_RedFC for granting me the opportunity to drastically bring the quality of football down. #battenonthebench https://t.co/h21WknYkH6
— Chris Batten (@EnterChris) March 23, 2022
The game will take place on Saturday the 2nd of April, as part of a community day which will see a number of events in a bid to raise much needed funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Chris Batten, who will start on the bench in the exhibition game, said via his Twitter: “The time has come to finally make my professional footballing debut, all in aid of @decappeal.
“Thank you to @stalbanscityfc and @Dag_RedFC for granting me the opportunity to drastically bring the quality of football down. Last week I officially signed for the mighty St Albans City FC. I make my pro debut at the age of 35 on April 2nd 3pm. All in aid of #Ukraine appeal. If you wish to witness my embarrassment you can buy tickets here (link).”
A Game For Ukraine!
On Sat April 2nd – 3pm I will be making an appearance for the mighty @stalbanscityfc with all proceeds going to Ukraine relief.
To view my embarrassment you can buy tickets here-https://t.co/hcepcKVCVV
Virtual tickets-https://t.co/Te1WQIniJy@ENTERSHIKARI pic.twitter.com/vDcL0QVieR
— Chris Batten (@EnterChris) March 28, 2022
A statement from St Albans said: “More than 18 million people are projected to become affected by the conflict in Ukraine with four million people expected to be displaced, leaving behind their jobs, belongings, and loved ones. At least three million people have already fled their homes to escape the conflict.
“Donations made will help to provide food, water, shelter, healthcare, and protection. Tickets for the game are available to purchase now and will also be available to purchase from the turnstiles on the day. Tickets for the match are priced at £10 adults, £5 under-16s. The adult ticket price includes a £9 donation to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal whilst the under-16 ticket includes a £4.50 donation.
“A virtual ticket is also available to purchase for anyone unable to attend the match but who may want to support the cause. The full amount paid for a virtual ticket will be donated to the appeal.”
Other members of the band Enter Shikari, who formed back in 1999, are sponsors on the front of St Albans’ shirts, and had nearly 150million views on YouTube, will also be in attendance at Clarence Park for the match vs Dagenham.
This comes as other clubs launch fundraising efforts as last week saw Colchester United state that gate receipts from their League Two encounter against Forest Green Rovers would be donated to the Ukraine appeal, with over £67,000 raised.
Gate receipts accounted for £61,400 whilst Colchester have also raised more than £5,800 via a JustGiving page that was set up for those who wanted to donate online. It will remain open until the end of the season and all money raised by the club will be donated to the Red Cross.
In a statement, Colchester chairman and owner Mr Cowling said: “I would like to thank everyone who provided support for our game against Forest Green Rovers which has so far enabled us to raise over £67,000 for humanitarian aid which will go to those affected by Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine.
“The past two years have been challenging and we face uncertain times ahead of us, so to get behind the game in such good numbers and to give so generously is very kind of you all and greatly appreciated.
“£61,400 was raised by the 6140 attendees who each paid £10 for their match tickets, and we will present a cheque for that amount to the Red Cross before our next home game against Stevenage.
“And so far, a further £5882 has generously been donated to the JustGiving page we created for those that wanted to support the game but could not attend on the night.
“Those funds are being directed straight to the Red Cross and we will leave that page open until the end of the season.
“The team wore a unique yellow and blue kit for that game, which resembled the Ukrainian national team’s kit.
“We will be auctioning each of the shirts worn by the playing squad to raise further funds.
“The exact details of the auction will be released later this week but as well as winning the shirt, the highest bidder for each shirt will receive a special invite to the last home game of the season against Walsall on the 30th April where we will present each of them with the prized shirts.
“Thanks again for the support you are showing for the U’s.
“Robbie.”
To donate to the JustGiving page, click here.
There was plenty of reaction as the rock star signs a deal with the non league outfit and gets set to make his debut aged 35…
@shitposzting: Man only Enter Shirkari would have one of their members on the bench for the team they sponsor to help raise money for the Ukraine. I fucking love this band.
@keithreynolds: From park bench to the City bench… and back again 😜
@_swoonqueen: What an absolute legend 💙
@DaemonES: Nah, you will be fine. Just keep your fingers intact 🙂
@dynamicfitPT: Solid right back
There had better be Church End levels in your performance mate…🤣🤣👍🏼
— Trevor Clayworth (@trevclayworth) March 28, 2022
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