Praise and Grumble

The first 'Sir Stanley Matthews Day' took place on 1 February 2006 on what would have been the soccer legend's 91st birthday.
(In 2009, it takes place on Friday 30th January)

The day was originally proposed after a meeting between the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation and the then elected-mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Mike Wolfe.

Previously the Foundation had worked to raise money to put up the tribute statue to Sir Stan which, now completed, can be seen high over Stoke-on-Trent's cityscape, outside the Stoke City’s Britannia Stadium.

But now the Foundation, which was set up in October 2000, has a different target – to raise money to help disadvantaged youngsters to participate in sports.

'Wear it with Pride' for Sir Stan

A major part of the celebrations on Sir Stan's Day is ‘Wear it with Pride for Sir Stan’, an event which itself has been running since 2003.

Companies, schools and the public are invited to ‘dress down for the day’ and wear their own football team’s shirt for the day, in return for a donation.

The Foundation also aims to highlight Sir Stan’s love of coaching football to younger generations. During his summers, and even more after his career finished, Sir Stanley worked extensively with kids in the townships of South Africa, as well as in "new" football nations such as Canada.

Nigel Johnson, Chairman of the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation, says: "We've helped over 3,000 young people develop an interest in sport after we completed the statue of Sir Stan. This event isn't just for Stoke City supporters. Anyone can take part, with the money we raise used to help both the schools in the area and the foundation to help young people achieve great things through sport."

More details about the Foundation, its work, and how to raise money for it, can be found on their website at: www.ssmf.co.uk/index.asp