By Longsider
September 2 2004

We can now bring you the latest news on the Clarets Trust which will be officially launched on the 11th September after the Crewe game.

Play Against Your Heroes Trust Working Group Football fans in Burnley are being given the chance to put their money where their mouth is and test themselves against some of their former heroes.

Fans can bid for a place in the supporters’ team and earn the chance to play against ex-professionals who have all played for Burnley Football Club.

Ex-Burnley players Andy Farrell, Chris Scott, Vince Overson, Phil Malley, Ashley Hoskin and Chris Pearce have all agreed to take part in the match. Another popular ex-Claret, Billy Hamilton, has kindly donated a trophy for the game and this has been named the Shaun Parker Trophy. Shaun was a lifelong Burnley fan who, despite being blind, followed the team the length and breadth of the country until his recent untimely death.

Tony Scholes, Trust Chair, says, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for fans to play against some of the players they have watched from the terraces. Now they have the chance to see if they really could tackle, pass and finish better than some of the former Clarets!

“All money raised from the game will be used to help the Trust move forward and in turn benefit the fans and the Club over coming years. We are also delighted to name the trophy after such a special fan as Shaun.

“Every fan that plays will also be given a limited edition football shirt thanks to TFG. The players will wear the current first team away kit with a twist. The shirts will bear the words ‘Clarets Trust Launch’ to ensure they are given a unique memento of the game.

“With the opposition now confirmed, we hope to see many applications from fans wishing to take part in this exciting game.”

The match will take place at 6.30pm at the Turf Moor Leisure centre on September 11, as part of the Trust’s official launch event.

Fans can bid for a place in the team with the ten highest bidders gaining the chance to play one half of the match each.

Bids can be made for five over the next two days for five of the places through the online auction website QXL

Alternatively bids can be made by sending an email to info@claretstrust.co.uk, putting your details in the online contact form or writing to Clarets Trust, PO Box 1960, Sports Desk, Burnley Express, Bull Street, Burnley, BB11 1DP