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Jimmy Bullard, Jamie O’Hara, Andy Hessenthaler and Neil Harris among ex-pros set to join TV celebrities for charity match at Dartford’s Princes Park in aid of Emily Ash Trust and Dartford’s academy

05:00, 03 October 2023

Celebrities from the world of entertainment will join former footballers at Dartford’s Princes Park this Sunday.

They will be playing in a charity football match to raise funds for the Emily Ash Trust and Dartford’s academy.

Jimmy Bullard, right, in action during his Wigan days, is scheduled to play on Sunday. Picture: Matthew Walker
Jimmy Bullard, right, in action during his Wigan days, is scheduled to play on Sunday. Picture: Matthew Walker

The Emily Ash Trust is a charity that supports families who have a child, teenager or young adult with cancer.

Celebrity players confirmed include Dan Osborne, Jimmy Bullard, Jamie O’Hara, ManlikeHaks, Dean Gaffney, Neil Harris, Ian Selley, Josh Brocklebank, Zac Ashford and Matt Lapinskas.

Dartford’s very own Martin Tyler plus Brian Statham, father of current Darts defender Max, are both due to feature, along with ex-Dartford midfielder Andy Hessenthaler.

“I did it at Woking and we had 3,000 people at the game,” said Dartford boss Alan Dowson.

“There will be celebrities at the game, people like Jimmy Bullard and Neil Ruddock, who I played with at Millwall. James Arthur has put his name to it and there will be many more.

“Everyone can come down and get autographs and pictures taken, and the money raised will go to charities in the local area.

Jamie O'Hara, right, seen here playing for Gillingham, is another ex-pro on the bill. Picture: Steve Crispe
Jamie O'Hara, right, seen here playing for Gillingham, is another ex-pro on the bill. Picture: Steve Crispe

“I’d love to get a great crowd down here to support as there’s a lot of big names playing. The ones from EastEnders I haven’t heard of, but I believe they’re big.

“Neil Harris, the Gillingham manager, is going to play along with Andy Hessenthaler, Ian Selley and David Howells.”

Dowson sees games like this as integral to Dartford’s role in the community.

“If you haven’t got the people in your community then you haven’t got a football club,” he added.

“It’s so important to have it. I try to treat everybody the same, I want people to come and enjoy everything about the club.

“It’s a great thing to have big celebrities and big names down here, so come and enjoy the day.”

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.sellebritysoccer.org.uk or on the gate, priced at £12 with under-2s free. Doors open at 1.30pm, kick-off 3pm.

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