BARNET FOOTBALL CLUB BACKS FOOTBALL FOR HEROES WEEK

BARNET FOOTBALL CLUB is joining forces with all 72 Football League Clubs in a united week of action to raise awareness and vital funds for Help for Heroes - The Football League's Official Charity Partner for the 2009-10 season.

Football for Heroes week will take place between March 6 and 14 allowing the whole of The Football League to show its support for the efforts of our Armed Forces.

BARNET FOOTBALL CLUB will be holding another Help for Heroes game against ACCRINGTON STANLEY on MARCH 13

Chairman Tony Kleanthous said: "Barnet FC is fully supportive of an initiative to raise awareness and funds for the heroes ... our Armed Forces fighting for our country around the world.

The Bees' have already shown their support for Help for Heroes in December and their game against Crewe Alexandra, by the following:-

• Holding a bucket collection outside the ground before the game
• Holding An 8-a-side tournament, with medals and trophies sponsored by ORC sport.
• The Middlesex Wing band performed before the game and at half time, Local Jazz singer Jo Duvall sang 'We'll meet again' as a tribute to the service men and women. The Army Cadets and Air Cadets helped with the bucket collection and other activities.
• The North Terrace has been donated by the club to raise money for the charity.
• Members of local armed forces have been invited to attend the game
• The Royal British Legion led the teams out with their standard bearer.
• Members of the Air Cadets and the Army Cadets formed a guard of honor as the teams entered the pitch
• The Army came along with their trailer complete with BATTACK, a game designed to help the locals test their reactions!
• A Santa's grotto was set up for children to visit Santa to tell him how good they have been.
• And adults enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine before the game.

On the 13th March, our game against Accrington, Barnet FC will be presenting the cheque for the monies raised to a representative from Help for Heroes.

The Air cadets and local Army Cadets will be on hand to oversee proceedings. We hope that our efforts will help maximise the coverage and awareness of the charity which helps rehabilitate members of the British Armed Forces injured in the line of duty.

Our support for the day will also include:

• A promotional photo shoot featuring Ian Hendon - Manager, Lee Harrison - First Team Coach and Jake Cole, First Team Goalkeeper, see attached.
• BARNET FC and ACRINGTON STANLEY will emerge from tunnel behind a Help for Heroes banner
• The respective captains and the match officials will pose for a photo at kick-off with a Help for Heroes banner
• IAN HENDON and JOHN COLEMAN will wear Help for Heroes wristbands for the duration of the game
• BARNET's first team will sign a Football League Help for Heroes ball which will then be auctioned off for the charity

Lord Mawhinney, Chairman of The Football League said: "The contribution being made by our armed forces around the world is both outstanding and humbling. As a nation we seldom thank them enough for the sacrifices they make. The Football for Heroes week will provide an excellent opportunity for supporters to show their appreciation for the work they do."