Leicester City Backing 2014 Poppy Appeal

2014 marks the centenary of the start of the First World War and 100 years since the birth of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance and hope. 

In a tradition started by Leicester City 11 years ago and since adopted by clubs all over the country, the Poppy will be worn on each of the players’ match shirts for Saturday’s game. 

The Royal British Legion’s fundraising target for Leicestershire and Rutland for 2014 is over £550,000, which will go towards the Legion’s national target of £40 million to continue its vital work delivering practical, through-life care and support to the Armed Forces community. 

Leicester City supporters helped make the Club’s biggest ever contribution to the cause in 2013 – raising over £16,000 through the matchday collection and the auction of the players’ match-worn, poppy-adorned shirts. 

In 2014, we aim to raise that figure even further. Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said: “I have always been very proud to be part of the Remembrance Fixture at Leicester City – it is an event that pays a fitting tribute to Armed Forces personnel past and present and the valuable work of the Royal British Legion to support those brave men and women and their families. 

“I’ll wear my poppy with pride and gratitude this weekend in recognition of the ultimate sacrifice of the fallen.” 

Saturday’s match will be preceded by a rousing pre-match build-up that will be familiar to Foxes fans that have been part of Remembrance Fixtures in recent seasons. 

Active military personnel and veterans will stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the countdown to kick-off, before the sounding of The Last Post ushers in a period of silence in memory of those that have lost their lives in conflicts around the world. 

And while the poppy remains an eternal symbol of the courage of those that have given their lives, it also represents our support for those still serving today and the loved ones of both. 

Giles Coleman, the Royal British Legion’s Community Fundraiser for Leicestershire & Rutland, said: “The Poppy Appeal 2014 embraces the dual role of the Royal British Legion as the custodians of Remembrance and provider of welfare support to the Armed Forces community. The poppy is a powerful symbol, which is worn to commemorate all those who have fought and died in our Armed Forces and show support for those still serving today and their loved ones. 

“We’re encouraging people to dig deep for this year’s Poppy Appeal to help us raise £40 million, so we can continue providing our vital support to individuals whether they’re still serving, transitioning back to civilian life or have left the Services, and importantly their families too.” 

Leicester City Football Club Ambassador, Alan Birchenall, said: “The Remembrance Fixture is a day our supporters look forward to every season, such is the respect held for our Armed Forces and for the incredible work of the Royal British Legion. 

“The build-up to the game always adds something special to the atmosphere and, in front of a sell-out crowd, we should be in for something very special on Saturday.” 

Further information on the Royal British Legion’s 2014 Poppy Appeal can be found at www.britishlegion.org.uk. Supporters attending Saturday’s Barclays Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion can make a donation to the Poppy Appeal at King Power Stadium on the day. 

Details of the post-match shirt auction will be released in due course at .