Arsenal dedicate Fulham match to charity - as Denilson donates trip of a lifetime

ARSENAL are dedicating Saturday’s Premier League clash with Fulham to Centrepoint - and the players will be donating a day’s pay to get things rolling.

London’s largest youth homeless charity was chosen as the Gunners’ Charity of the Season this year through the Be a Gooner, Be a Giver scheme.

The club’s famously thrifty directors are even donating a day’s wages, and supporters will be asked to dig deep to help reach the season-long target of �500,000 to create a state-of-the-art facility for homeless young people at a refurbished centre in Soho.

Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder Denilson has generously donated a trip for two to Dubai for a text-to-win raffle.

Volunteers will be shaking buckets around the Emirates Stadium, limited edition Arsenal and Centrepoint bobble hats will be on sale for �10 and 50p from every matchday programme sold will go to the charity.

Car giants Citr�en will also be at the stadium creating a bespoke piece of artwork using remote controlled cars, which will be auctioned off in support of the campaign.

Gunners boss Ars�ne Wenger said: “Centrepoint do some fantastic work with young homeless people across London, helping them to develop essential life skills to get back on their feet and stay off the streets permanently. We are delighted to be showing our support by donating a day’s wages, which will enable Centrepoint to continue their important work in the capital.

“Having been involved with our club’s charities for a number of years now, I am always struck by the amazing generosity shown by our supporters, so I hope that they will join us yet again in supporting this worthy cause and dig deep on Saturday to help raise essential funds towards the Be a Gooner. Be a Giver campaign.”

Arsenal will also give 19 year-old Kareem Leigh the opportunity to carry the match ball out onto the pitch alongside the two teams before kick-off. Kareem became homeless after suffering a series of setbacks and family problems. He is currently supported by Centrepoint who are helping him to secure a positive future and a chance to stay off the streets permanently.

Seyi Obakin, chief executive of Centrepoint, added: “We are very much looking forward to Centrepoint’s dedicated matchday and are grateful to the players, directors and supporters for helping us towards our target of raising �500,000 to refurbish one of our services for homeless young people in Soho. The money will make a huge difference to the lives of homeless young people in London, helping them re-engage in education and work and gain essential life skills to help them look forward to a brighter and more confident future.’

- For more information on the Charity of the Season partnership and to donate, visit www.beagoonerbeagiver.org