From unwanted shoes to retro Wycombe Wanderers shirts, it was a day to remember for those who attended a Non League match in Aylesbury.
#NonLeagueDay@ValeDynamos v @RRFC_1971
— Risborough Rangers FC (@RRFC_1971) March 26, 2022
Clothes for Ukraine @KitAid
Pics from Super Charlie Carter📷 pic.twitter.com/HFgF6nh9W3
Saturday, March 26 saw the international weekend come around once again, which meant there were no fixtures in the Premier League or Championship, whilst some matches in League One and League Two were called off.
This is amazing. An anonymous person has donated their old Wycombe shirts for today’s kit/clothes drive at Aylesbury Vale Dynamos. Amazing stuff! #Chairboys @wwfcofficial @ValeDynamos @bluntphil @RRFC_1971 @KitAid @classicshirts pic.twitter.com/9gOcW6UmbC
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) March 26, 2022
This allowed clubs in the lower leagues in the English football pyramid to benefit from fans who wanted to get their weekly football fix, and Aylesbury Vale Dynamos, who play their matches at Haywood Way, made the most of this opportunity.
READ MORE: Wycombe's David Stockdale praises Aylesbury Vale Dynamos for free match
The Buckinghamshire derby home Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division clash against promotion-pushing Risborough Rangers on the same day, saw spectators watch the match free of charge on the basis that clothes were donated in lieu of payment, with the items being split into two categories.
At Haywood Way for @ValeDynamos vs @RRFC_1971 on #NonLeagueDay. So many old clothes and kits have been donated on this beautiful day. Even got the other half to don one of my many Arsenal shirts ☀️ 😂 #NonLeagueDay pic.twitter.com/ngCmiOvbAS
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) March 26, 2022
Sports-related clothing will go to the Kit Aid foundation to help children in the poorest regions of Africa, whilst the rest will go to those stranded in Ukraine, following the country’s invasion by Russia.
The incentive saw the club enjoy their highest-attended league match of the season so far with 220 people – 30 spectators short of their all-time record of 250, whilst bags and boxes of clothes were being brought to the stadium.
What a fantastic donation, many thanks.
— KitAid (@KitAid) March 26, 2022
Good luck today and thanks very much for including KitAid today.@ValeDynamos @Ollie_Bayliss @nonleaguedayuk https://t.co/pVzYtZmdHM
READ MORE: How you can watch Aylesbury Vale Dynamos free of charge
Shirts, blankets, pyjamas, shoes, old football kits, jackets, gloves, scarves and hats were just some of the items that were donated, as everyone who attended wanted to do their part to help those who needed it the most.
Attendance today 220 thanks again for all the clothes donations @bucksfreepress
— Aylesbury Vale Dynamos FC (@ValeDynamos) March 26, 2022
And whilst the match was a one-sided affair, as Risborough ran riot against their Bucks neighbours, winning 5-0 on the day, it was a sea of colour as fans of Arsenal, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur, Wycombe Wanderers, Everton and Leicester City were seen wearing old kits, enjoying the occasion.
Rich Lloyd, the Lib Dem Leader of Aylesbury Town Council, was seen wearing a Ukrainian football shirt that dated back to the early 2000s, whilst some attendees travelled from as far as King’s Lynn in Norfolk to be part of the day, with people visiting drop off points at St Peter's Church, as well as our offices in Loudwater to donate clothes.
@RRFC_1971 @markeaton1967 congrats on the victory. Now go smash it! Football aside 2 clubs came together for a bigger cause today. Been blown away by peoples generosity and support. Thank you all so so much. With the help of @James_BFP donations will shipped next week. 💛💙
— Mike ‘AVDFC Chairman’ Bozz (@WeAreTheDynamos) March 27, 2022
READ MORE: Aylesbury Vale Dynamos burgled after charity match announcement
Mike ‘Bozz’ Borrett, who is the chairman of Aylesbury Vale Dynamos, said: “Football and the score line were completely put aside and it’s been overwhelming.
We turned up at 11.30 this morning [March 26] with piles of clothes on the doorstep for people that couldn’t get to the game but wanted to do something, and I’ve been inundated with numerous people telling us that how great this feels in terms of helping others.
“For me, that summed up today [March 26].
The Non League tradition continues 😎 🇲🇾 pic.twitter.com/3Okej7HI4C
— James Richings 🏴🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) March 26, 2022
“We’ve got football boots, shoes, walkie talkies, baby feeding utensils and if we can make the difference in one village, then we’ve done our bit."
“We’ve doubled our numbers for today and to see people on a day like today with the sun out eating and drinking in the tea bar and supported us on Non League day, we’re just very grateful.”
#NonLeagueDay @ValeDynamos v @RRFC_1971
— Risborough Rangers FC (@RRFC_1971) March 26, 2022
Super Charlie Carter with the pics📷@James_BFP @WycombeSound @CatlingCarl @Ollie_Bayliss pic.twitter.com/7iY8TdXSts
The clothes will be sorted out the week commencing March 28, and will be sent out to the respective parties in due course.
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