Crystal Palace have decided to donate their match-worn shirts from their Premier League game against Liverpool today to raise funds for children's play equipment at the Croydon University Hospital.
The Eagles ' shirts will be available to bid on from the moment the game kicks off on Sunday at 2pm GMT.
All shirts are signed by the corresponding first-team player and all proceeds that are made from the shirt sales will go to Croydon’s Power of Play appeal, funding playgrounds, toys and games for children receiving medical treatment.
“As a team we are really proud to be able to support Croydon’s Power of Play appeal," said Palace captain Luka Milivojevic.
"Many of us are parents ourselves, and we know when a child is sick it’s the small things that can help take their mind off feeling unwell.
“We want to thank our fans, and anyone else who is able to make a bid on our matchday shirts and raise money for this cause. The money raised will go towards making the lives of these children in hospital a little easier.”
Patrick Vieira has named a full matchday squad for the game against Liverpool, meaning fans can choose from any number of players including Conor Gallagher, Ebere Eze and Christian Benteke.
If you're interested, click here from kick-off, choose the shirt you hope to own and make a bid. The auction closes on Sunday, February 6.
Elaine Clancy, Chief Nurse at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Crystal Palace F.C. and all of the players for their generosity. I know that many of our staff and our patients are avid Palace fans, so we’re all very excited to see how much we can raise through this shirt auction.
“These match-worn shirts are truly one of a kind, signed by the players who face Liverpool F.C. on Sunday, 23rd January. As well as being a great collector’s item, we hope fans will see the auction as an opportunity to get behind our Power of Play appeal and help us to raise funds for exciting and therapeutic play spaces for young people who are being cared for in hospital.”
To find out more about the Power of Play appeal, please click here.
