FOR those who have dreamed about playing at the County Ground, there is an opportunity coming your way in May and celebrities are included.

The Big Match, an annual charity football match featuring celebrities, ex-pros and members of the public, is coming to Swindon on May 9.

Devised by Neil Humphries in 2012 as an informal fundraiser at Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium, the event has since spiralled to become a full day of fundraising surrounding a 90-minute charity match.

In Reading last year, £75,000 was raised for The Brain Tumour Charity and Action for Children, but Neil wants to trump that this year with the event now moving further afield and down the M4.

“We have been doing it in Reading a little while and the idea was to try and grow the event into different areas,” he said.

“I want to be as blunt as to say cancer doesn’t know areas.

“It’s up the road from me and it’s manageable.”

In January 2012, Neil lost his father after he had been battling a brain tumour, and it was this untimely event which prompted the former to raise awareness of the disease.

After speaking with Swindon Town chiefs last year, a deal was reached in the autumn to bring the match to the County Ground and spread awareness even further.

“They (Swindon Town) have been fantastic. They got behind this 150 per cent. They’re supporting as much and beyond of what we expected,” said Neil.

“It’s a massive, community-focused club and The Big Match is a big community event.

“It’s not a celebrity match, it’s a community event.

“It has the public and children involved. It’s about letting everybody, regardless of their status and profile, whether you have a heart-warming reason or not, to get involved.

“We offer what other events don’t often have. In Soccer Aid, you would have to be a celebrity to play.

“We are giving the ‘Average Joe’ the chance to take part alongside celebrities.

“What we like to say is, if you want to watch a great game of football then don’t come to The Big Match.”

Last year, the likes of ex footballers Neil Ruddock, Ossie Ardiles and David Seaman plus actor/singer Gareth Gates turned out to play alongside those members of the public raising enough money to earn their time on the pitch.

Broadcaster Dan Lobb, former EastEnders actor Sam Attwater, actress Suzanne Shaw and singer Michelle Heaton are all but confirmed for this year.

Neil is also in negotiations with the cast of ITV’s The Only Way is Essex.

To take part in the match, you will need to raise a minimum of £500 for the respective charities.

For more information, go to www.thebigmatch.co.uk