Burton Albion take on Derby County at the Pirelli Stadium tomorrow in the 124th year of the Bass Charity Vase; 7:45pm kick-off.
Both sides have excellent pedigree in the historic competition. The Brewers are the most successful of all the clubs to have taken part with 27 victories; whilst their opponents Derby County were the first ever winners of the Bass Charity Vase in 1889.
Burton and Derby will be competing for the magnificent silver rose bowl, donated by Lord Burton and Hamar Alfred Bass with the Vase reputed to be one of the most valuable trophy in English football.
Having been founded in Burton-on-Trent, the competition has seen a host of clubs take part over the years including Stoke City, Leicester City, Notts County, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest with a primary objective or raising money for good causes; with the match on 13th August seeing all gate proceeds go to charity.
In recent years, the spread of organisations benefitting from the work has widened considerably with participating teams asked to nominate their own choice of organisations to be benefit.
‘Charity in the Community’ is the charity’s slogan and each year since the competition’s centenary has seen £10,000 distributed to local charities and worthwhile causes including the Queens Hospital Childrens Department, Donna Louise Trust, St Giles Hospice, Age UK Burton and the Handicapped Riding School at Foston.
The match prices are £5 adults and £7 adult + child with concessions and 16 & Under's just £3, no ticket required, cash on the turnstiles.
Admission will be available through the turnstiles on the day of the match with no pre-booking necessary.
Special Guest for the evening will be former Premier League referee Alan Wiley, who in a distinguished career has had the honour of officiating the FA Cup and League Cup Finals as well as the Charity Shield.
Bass Charity Vase President Dave Mellor commented: ‘I am extremely grateful to Ben Robinson and Nigel Clough for agreeing to the match and of course both Burton Albion and Derby County for taking part in this year’s competition.
‘We are indebted to both clubs for their terrific support of the charity and hope for a successful and entertaining evening at the Pirelli Stadium on 13th August.’
Burton Albion Chairman Ben Robinson added: ‘We are delighted to be hosting the Bass Charity Vase at the Pirelli Stadium and look forward to what promises to be an entertaining and successful evening of football and fundraising.
‘The Vase continues to play an integral role within the local community with the money raised over a sustained period making a real difference to lives and we are pleased to be associated with such a worthwhile and locally important charity.’