Ex-Leeds United men and Britain's Got Talent stars to feature in charity memorial match for special cause

Former Leeds United stars are again coming together to feature in this year’s celebrity loaded Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield match - tickets for which go on sale next weekend.

Elliott, who was just 30 years old, passed away very unexpectedly in November 2019 and the Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield was set up in 2023 to raise funds for local charities.

The event has since raised £24,732 since it began and another star studded line up has come together for the Shield’s fourth year.

For the 2026 event, Team Cherry will take on Team Clarke on Saturday, July 25 at the John Charles Centre for Sport to raise funds for this year’s supported charity Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Team managers for the event include Eddie Gray, Howard Wilkinson, Jon Newsome, Simon Grayson and Peter ‘Stix’ Lockwood.

Guest players for this year’s event include ex-Leeds stars Seb Carole, Paul Green and David Norris plus Jon Richardson, Olivia Smart, The Yorkshire Indian, Danny Miler and Chris Coghill.

The day will begin with an under-15s girls match between Stanningley Albion and Ackworth in a 12 noon kick-off.

There will then be live music from Harrogate Spa Town Ukes plus Britain’s Got Talent stars, Maxwell Thorpe, Vinnie McKee and Finley Barrett-Carter followed by a performance of Nessun Dorma from Thomas Martyn - son of former Whites star Nigel.

The main event of the Team Cherry versus Team Clarke fixture will then kick-off at 3pm.

The afternoon will also feature Magic Circle Magician of the Year, Sebastian Walton plus face painting.

The event can also boast five big ambassadors in Colin Montgomerie OBE, Gordon Strachan OBE, Ralph Ineson, Simon Grayson and Dominic Matteo.

Tickets will go in sale on Sunday, June 14 costing £5 for adults with under-16s admitted free.

For more info and tickets when they go on sale visit the link HERE

Organiser David Bransby told the YEP: “The Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield is an annual fundraising initiative that has been created to honour my son, Elliot. 

“Aged just 30, Elliot passed away very unexpectedly in November 2019, and our celebrity loaded football event is staged to raise funds for local charities.

“Our small team is dedicated and passionate to raising funds in Elliot’s name. 

“We give our time freely for the benefit of others. 

“After expenses incurred to stage the event, every penny that we’ve worked so hard to raise will be donated to Martin House Children’s Hospice.

“Everyone associated with The EJB Memorial Shield are volunteers, dedicated to keep Elliot’s wonderful name alive and his beautiful memory buoyant.”