BRIGHTON and Hove Albion’s official charity is asking people to wear blue and white to help raise money to provide people who have a disability the chance to play regular football.

Albion in the Community is encouraging people to go to work on that Friday April 27 decked out in blue and white in return for a donation.

The charity, which works with 129 schools across Sussex delivering football-themed numeracy and literacy lessons, after school clubs and enterprise programmes, is also asking schools to join in with a non-school uniform day.

AITC has produced a fundraising guide for anyone looking for some extra ideas on how to raise money on Blue and White Day, with suggestions ranging from fun penalty shoot-outs, to blue and white cakes and baking.

Martin Perry, chairman of trustees at AITC and executive director of Brighton and Hove Albion, said he hoped to see Sussex turn blue and white in support of the charity.

He said: “Throughout my time working with Brighton and Hove Albion, being given the opportunity to act as chairman of trustees at AITC is one of the most exciting and rewarding things I have ever done.

“I am privileged to witness the inspiring and transformational work delivered by AITC throughout Sussex and I know AITC is something our fans are rightly proud of.

“It would be brilliant if as many people as possible take part in Blue and White Day and show their support for AITC.

“With just three league games left in the club’s debut Premier League season, it will also be a fantastic chance for our fans to show support not just for AITC, but for Chris Hughton and the team as well.”

Money raised by Blue and White Day will help fund AITC’s award-winning football sessions for people with a disability.

The charity runs 30 sessions throughout the county which are regularly attended by upwards of 300 people.

These include a session for young people with autism, another for players with Down’s syndrome and one for junior amputees – all of which have been launched since the start of the season.

AITC’s sessions for people with a disability cost between £1,800 and £5,000 a year to run, meaning fundraising events like the forthcoming Blue and White Day are vital for the charity.

Fundraising also helps AITC launch new sessions and provide more people with the opportunity to play the sport they love. For more information on Blue and White Day, or to request a fundraising guide, email: fundraising@albioninthecommunity.org.uk or call: 01273 668585.