Testimonials
Included below are just a small selection of testimonials we’ve received from our participants in recent years, if you'd like to tell us about an experience you've had in a Football Aid match please Contact Us or why not post on our Facebook page.
“I have aching muscles where I did not even know I had muscles, but that apart you and your colleagues have made a 44 year old man very happy.
Without boring you, I first watched a Villa match when I was five and have been a season ticket holder most of my life. I have been fortunate to see them lift a number of trophies including the European Cup. I now rank my experiences from yesterday as good as those at the finals and to think the majority of the monies raised go to worthwhile charities is unbelievable.”
Scott Wayne
Aston Villa 2008
"I had a fantastic time and even though I suffered a knee injury during the first half, still found the day exciting and will definately put myself forward for any other events.
Please, please thank all your staff at Football Aid and especially a huge round of applause should go to Mr Martin O'Connor ex-Birmingham City player, who coached and shouted at me during the match as i hadn't got a clue!"
Jason Jew
Birmingham City 2008
“Thanks to all at Football Aid and Blackburn Rovers FC for last night’s experience, I've always dreamed of pulling on a Blackburn shirt and taking to the field at Ewood Park. Last night my dream came true.
In the past I've looked at the cost of Football Aid and taken a step back thinking I simply couldn't justify the cost, but after playing for the first time I now know that it was worth every single penny.
My step son Rhys was delighted to be one of the mascots last night and he simply had one the best evenings of his life. The look of delight on his face when he hit the back of the net in the warm up will long stay with me and his Mum. His shirt is a virtual write off now with all the signatures he got from the fantastic club legends. Thanks again to all.”
M. J. Sinnett
Blackburn Rovers 2008
"On behalf of everyone at the Khalsa Football Academy (KFA), the Bolton Wanderers experience was a great footballing experience. The volunteers who participated work on a voluntary basis for the KFA Striving For Unity project.
The entire group enjoyed the occasion and the interaction between the Bolton fans and the Football Aid officers complimented our aims and objectives with the equality project.
Kind Regards"
Bal Singh
Bolton Wanderers 2007
“Fabulous day yet again, good on Celtic for facilitating the game under difficult circumstances and Neil Lennon (our captain) was brilliant! Managed to set up the first and score the winner (albeit played like a coo) but truly the stuff dreams are made of!
Also really good to see some kindred spirits from previous games, there seems to be a growing bunch of "regulars" now playing, you should maybe think of having a kind of "footballaid reunited" facility?
Anyway thanks again for a great day, fabulous memories and please get my name onto the team sheet for next year. I'm sure I'll be able to walk again by then!”
Gerry Diamond
Celtic 2008
"I had the fortune to play in the Charlton game and also the QPR game and both games once again did Football Aid proud, both sets of legends were all great characters and made both days even more special. I would also like to pay particular credit to the Football Aid representatives for the days who were Stewart at Charlton and Donald at Charlton. The games ran smoothly without hitch (well from where I was standing!) and the enthusiasm of the organizers was infectious and once again added to the spirit of the day!
I keep saying it but keep up the good work, it is all for a great cause and truly is a fantastic experience. Its great to meet a cross section of other players of differing abilities and to share their experiences and their thoughts on the event!
I cant speak highly enough of Football Aid, I have now done five different clubs and I am going to be doing 3 or 4 next year guaranteed ... (just don’t tell my missus!)"
Jason Guy
Charlton Athletic 2008
"Can I just say a huge thank you for yesterday, I fulfilled a lifetime ambition by playing at Stamford Bridge! (Despite the fact that "Playing" may not be the correct choice of words!)
A thoroughly enjoyable day thanks to all those involved for arranging it, and I would be extremely interested in the events for next year.
Once again many thanks."
Matt Day
Chelsea 2007
"An excellent performance from the Away team, marshalled by the ever youthful D. Busst. The Home team tried hard but the cream always rises!
4-2 Benno!!
Seriously great organisation, commitment and teamwork - well done everyone on a great day!"
David Busst
Club Legend and Football in the Community Director
Coventry City 2008
"I really enjoyed being involved in the match at Selhurst park, so much so I could not think about anything else for two whole days. Stepping out on the pitch was amazing, as the game got going the feeling felt more natural.
I feel good knowing that I have played a part in raising money for a good cause.
It was a shock for me to be awarded Man of Match for my team as I was down to play just the first half at right back, but events had changed during our half time team talk and I was asked If I would like to stay on and play left back, I was happy to be playing at selhurst park regardless of my position played, so how could I turn down a opportunity like that from the Boss Jim Cannon, so I said yes I'll play anywhere for the team!
I will always remember the day as my "dream come true" debut for Palace.
Thank you to all involved at Football Aid and Crystal Palace FC, for the experience."
Dwayne Simpson
Crystal Palace 2007
"This is just a quick letter to say thank you for the most wonderful day of my life. The whole day was excellently run by the football aid gang and the added bonus of a massage before and after the game just put the icing on the cake.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Stuart Barlow for attending and being a marvellous host. I look forward to trying again next year as I have now caught the bug in a big way."
Carl Osgathorp
Everton 2008
“Please pass on my thanks to all at Football Aid who made the day possible. To play at Tynecastle was quite simply a dream come true and it was a day I will never forget. I would highly recommend the experience to any football supporter who grew up dreaming of playing for their team.
To have the chance to meet and play alongside the likes of Jimmy Sandison, Gary Mackay and Alan McLaren, all players I idolised in my youth, was fantastic. To then have Steve Banks take control of our team at half time was just sensational.
Now that I've had a taste of what its all about, I’m already poised to sign up for next year!”
Bruce Millar
Heart of Midlothian 2008
“Hi, would just like to say once again thank you for the excellent night out I had at Tranmere last week as the centre forward and captain for the football aid team. It was my first experience of such an event and I hope it wont be my last. I have played in several cup finals during my playing days never did I get such a thrill as I did with the Hollyoaks event at Tranmere.
The lads of Hollyoaks were great for the role they played in ensuring it was a great night. I keep reliving my chance to win the match in the last minute in my head and it still hurts.
Hate to think what John Terry must have went through!!!!!!”
Gary Stobbs
Hollyoaks Celeb Match 2008
"Only just got my energy back, to say thanks for a great day (not as good as last year result wise). A great day, thanks to all, Scott Booth, Trevor Steven and Pat Nevin for his game summary, hilarious!
Both Mascots Ryan & Freddy scored during the warm up, unlike the rest of us during the game...
Weather: What a scorcher
Result: What a shocker
Really had a great time, the whole family did, thank you."
Adrian Alcock
International Challenge 2008
“Just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone at Football Aid, yesterday my dream came true, I had always wanted to wear my hometown clubs colours and run out onto the pitch and show what I could do.
To be voted man of the match for the home team was a major honour for me and without you guys I would never have had such an opportunity, so thank you.”
Shaun Burden
Leicester City 2008
“I would have been happy just to kick a ball around the Anfield car park! That would have counted as playing at Anfield for me. And that is the closest I thought I would ever come to REALLY playing at Anfield! Football Aid really is amazing. I have had Diabetes since 1984 so I get a double benefit from Football Aid: I get to play at my favourite football grounds and considerable funds are raised for a Diabetes related charity, among others.
I once wrote to Jimmy Saville asking him to fix it for me to train with Liverpool F.C in 1978. He never replied.
Thank you Football Aid for making the next best thing possible: kicking a ball across the holy turf!”
Adrian Landers
Liverpool 2008
"I would like to thank football aid for a great day yesterday, everything was run very professionally from start to finish. It is a fantastic experience to play on the same same ground as the team you support. The new added touch of providing a sports massage before and after the game really adds to the day. It was my chance to live a boyhood dream of being a pro footballer.
At 33 I was the youngest player on my team but would have been one of the oldest on the opposition team so it was rewarding to come back and draw 2-2 after being 2-0 down!!
The adrenalin helped me roll back the years to have a good game in midfield and the sports massage at half time helped me carry the same level on in the second half!!
The feeling of scoring the penalty will stay with me for a long time. It was also great to have family and friends in the stand who loved the experience."
Gary Stoddard
Manchester City 2007
“The experience of playing at Old Trafford will live with me forever, from the moment I walked in to the home dressing room and saw my name on the famous red shirt to the final whistle will live with me forever.
Simply put I fulfilled a life long dream,
Thank you for the opportunity”
Marcus Gross
Manchester United 2008
"I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and it was as good and even better than I thought it would be. The only regret I have is that I wasn’t a bit more selfish in front of goal!!
I would certainly recommend the whole experience and if I can persuade my fiancée (bearing in mind we’re getting married next year) I’ll be back again in 2009 – don’t suppose there’s a discount for over 35’s??!!
Once again, thanks for one of the most memorable days of my life."
Dave Stephenson
Middlesbrough 2008
“I have to say that this was one of the most fantastic experiences of my 38 years to date.
The opportunity to play (and score!) at St. James Park is something that I will dine out on for a long time and will live with me forever.
Thank you for a truly memorable experience.”
Jonathan Appleby
Newcastle United 2008
"I had a fantastic time.
The whole event was extremely well organised.
10/10 to the very eloquent and enthusiastic Jeremy Goss and the good natured Bryan Gunn (who came straight from a 1st team training session!)"
Declan Brady
Norwich City 2008
“It really was a wonderful day at QPR. I saw my first match in the 1975/76 season (April Bank Holiday Monday - Rangers 2 Arsenal 1!), so finally to tread the hallowed turf was a dream come true! My son and fiancée were in attendance & we all agreed that the Football Aid staff were first class. The Legends, Clive Wilson & Danny Maddix, when they played, didn't hog the limelight, but encouraged and brought others into the game at every opportunity.
Please pass on our thanks to QPR, Dave Robinson, Clive & Danny and all of you at Football Aid. It's great to be involved in helping to increase the coffers for very worthwhile charity causes too.”
Grant Foster
Queens Park Rangers 2008
“Just a quick e-mail to thank all those at Football Aid for allowing me to live the dream that is playing at Ibrox.
From the moment I arrived all those that were involved with Football Aid made me welcome and could not have been friendlier or more helpful.
Thanks again for making this one of the most memorable days I have ever experienced.”
Andrew (legs killing me) Gillespie
Rangers 2008
“I just want to thank you and all the Football Aid Team for an absolutely fantastic day on Saturday at Hampden.
It was great to be able to fulfil one of my dreams while raising so much money for a great cause. Having my daughter there as mascot, topped it all off and I was really proud to be there with her all the way from Ireland.”
Andy McGuinniety
Scotland International 2008
"The limbs are struggling from the weekend - but it was more than worth it.
The whole experience was just unforgetable for both me and my son Josh who was one of the mascots.
Your guys who organised it did a fantastic job and to hear that we raised £7,000 from our game just put the icing on the cake - well done to you all.
The game couldn't have gone much better, we were losing 2-1, got a last minute penalty, scored and then won on penalties (cant wait for the dvd).
This is the first time I have done it, but we all said in the dressing room it would be great if we could all meet up next year to do it all again!!
Once again thanks for the memories."
Jonathan Bennett
Sheffield United 2008
“I have always had a dream of playing at Hillsborough and after my attempt to become a professional footballer failed dramatically at the first hurdle, I felt the dream was over. When I first heard about Football Aid I was determined to realise my lifelong ambition. Just to stand on the centre spot before the game last night was fantastic, but to run down the tunnel and play a game on the pitch was quite unbelievable.
It was a totally unforgettable experience and I nearly ended up getting divorced last night when I told my wife it was the best day of my life!
Thank you Football Aid”
Steve Manley
Sheffield Wednesday 2008
"Just a quick note to say thanks to all the Footballaid team for making my day (and that of my mate Matt) such a brilliant and memorable experience at Southampton on 14th May. I am now the envy of all the player in my own football club - even those who are supporters of arch rivals, Portsmouth (I am a Pompey supporter too, but I left my allegiances aside for the day ...)
The fact that we also raised over £12,000 for charity makes it doubly worthwhile. For a player of my dubious ability to be able to do something like this is a lifelong dream and one that I have now realised.
I am looking forward now to seeing the photos and match DVD. I will certainly be back next year."
Nick Poling
Southampton 2008
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Football Aid staff, my fellow players and everyone else who was involved on the day. The whole experience was outstanding; from relaxing in the players lounge, to walking into the dressing room and seeing my kit hanging there. Not only was the day very special to me personally it was great for my family who saw me run out in the strip and take part in a great match, my granddad was beaming the whole time! 3-3 was a fair result as well as no one deserved to be on the losing side.
Sadly my football talent is very limited but I was pleased overall, if I was feeling slightly indulgent I would claim an assist for the equaliser as I played Gary Bennett in to score.
Once again thanks to everyone who contributed."
John Mulliss
Sunderland 2007
"I saw my first Spurs home match (aged 11) in 1967... I believe it was against Fulham and Sir Bbby Robson was playing left half for Fulham!.....I remember spurs won 4-2 (I think!)
I continued to see most of Spurs' home matches (standing on the old shelf) until late 1970`s when my marriage and then 3 lovely daughters and work committments did not allow me to go to live games as often as I would have liked.
However since 1967 and throughout my childhood, early adult hood and up to the present day I had always dreamed of playing at the Lane. It has been a standing joke that if asked what i would do if I won the lottery...I have always said "arrange for me and a few mates to play at White Hart lane!"
I therefore cannot begin to express how special the day and match was for me...and to play with my best mate Andy Dust, after we saw the Fulham match in 1967 together...and we have been playing football together since he was 5 and I was 7 years old...made it even more special for me.
At 51 years of age I count myself blessed that I can still play football and so far the legs have not (completely) gone..
Friday's match was the nearest thing I will experience to time travel....for throughout the day and match I was again that 11 year old kid..."
Steve Cornish
Tottenham Hotspur 2007
“I certainly did have a fantastic time being involved in the game at Watford on Friday, it really was a dream come true, my sons were itching to get on the pitch and play, so hopefully they may be able to do the next one at Watford.
Keep up the great work.”
Kevin Hills
Watford 2008
"Just wanted to say what a fantastic day Saturday’s event turned out to be not only was the football event well organized but I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Football Aid staff that were present at the Hawthorns as not only were you all helpful and helped make the days events perfect but you were also a great bunch of guys and very humorous.
The whole day was just perfect and my Wife, children and friends all said what a lovely day the had and how well organized it all was. We are all just so pleased we raised so much money for field of dreams which after all was our reason for doing this and all being well we all from Sainsburys will be doing next years event.
See you all next year"
Chris Bradley
West Bromwich Albion 2008
"Just wanted to say thanks to all at Football Aid for another brilliant day.
It was a really good game which my away team managed to win 2 - 0 and I was over the moon to notch a goal, my second at Upton Park in three Football Aid outings! If I keep on like this Curbs will be on the phone to me! I played for the first time at Upton Park with both my brother and Dad on the pitch so it was really special.
As always the Football Aid staff were exceptional - friendly, helpful and welcoming, they made sure our day lived up to expectations. The West Ham staff were once again brilliant as well.
The atmosphere of the spectators was fantastic too, they really got behind both teams and gave us all a big cheer when we finally made it into the bar for our celebratory pint!
So, thanks again for a great day."
Lee Healey
West Ham United 2008
"To sum it up - AWESOME! Meeting the legends was great, the game was superb and to be Man-Of-The-Match was phenomenal! The only downer was breathing through my a**e! But I cant wait for next year now!
Thanks once again for an awesome day. I've been boring my friends to tears about it but hey its a once in a lifetime thing!
All the best
PS
I wouldnt change a thing for next year, keep it the same!!!"
Lee Tonks
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2007
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