Prince William has joined politicians from all parties by becoming the latest high profile figure to throw his support behind The Football League's 'Football for Heroes' week.
From 6 March to 14 March all 72 member clubs are continuing to pledge their support to Help for Heroes - The Football League's official charity partner for the 2009/10 season - by dedicating a home game to the charity which rehabilitates wounded army personnel.
And Prince William - an ardent supporter of The British Armed Forces - has applauded the united and unprecedented week of action that has been designed to raise awareness and vital funds for Help for Heroes.
"The Football League's week of action to support Help for Heroes is a superb way getting behind the men and women of the Armed Services, who lay their lives on the line for us - and so many of whom have been badly wounded," said Prince William.
"These Servicemen and women, for whom duty is everything, have earned the support of this country. I urge everyone at a League game to get behind Help for Heroes in any way they can."
The Prince's praise comes just days after both the Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe and the Shadow Sports and Olympics Minister, Hugh Robertson MP backed Football for Heroes week.
AFC Bournemouth showed their support for Football for Heroes week at last Saturday's game. We welcomed service personnel from Bulford, and they raised £2,086 for Help For Heroes from sales of their wristbands. It was a special day for Captain Jared Cunningham who led the team at Dean Court, as he is also a fanatical Cherries supporter and said, "The response was fantastic and to get the support of so many people was incredible and to round off a great day, we won!" Captain Cunningham was presented with a signed shirt from former serviceman Joe Roach and that is now hanging proudly in the 228 Signal Squadron bar at Bulford. Cherries star Lee Bradbury, who served in Northern Ireland in the Army, showed his support by wearing his Help for Heroes wristband during the game.
Captain Cunningham is presented with a signed shirt by Joe Roach
Lee Bradbury sporting his Help for Heroes wristband during the Morecambe game
From royalty to all sides of the House of Commons, the scope of support for The Football League's work with Help for Heroes demonstrates the nationwide passion for the charity that has generated a colossal £40m in just 28 months.
During the week of action, all 72 managers will wear the iconic Help for Heroes wristbands on the touchline with teams emerging from the tunnel behind the charity's banner. Each squad will also sign a specially designed Help for Heroes football to be auctioned off to raise money for our Heroes.
The Football League's support for Help for Heroes will continue until the culmination of the 2009/10 season with clubs planning events right up until the climax of the current campaign.
You can donate to Help for Heroes by visiting www.bmycharity.com/V2/footballleague.
