Marc
01-08-2013, 07:43 PM
http://www.mtv.co.uk/files/imagecache/300x225/files/2013/08/01/louis-km480110-386938_478x359.jpg
One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has signed as a footballer for his beloved Doncaster Rovers.
The 21-year-old, who once worked at the club as a waiter in the hospitality suite, has been issued with the number 28 shirt for the 2013/14 season.
He has signed as a non-contract player in aid of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Sheffield.
Tomlinson, who will remain with the band, described it as "a childhood dream".
He told Sky News: "It's unbelievable really. I've been a massive football fan for a long time and obviously growing up in Doncaster I've been to plenty of games at the Keepmoat. To be part of the club is incredible."
Tomlinson is a season ticket holder and took part in a charity match at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium last October.
The singer added: "I got in contact with them to arrange a charity football match with my pub team and I kept my links and contacts from there. It's a great club."
Club manager Paul Dickov said Tomlinson will train with footballers from the Championship side. He hopes to play him in a reserve game in September or October in aid of the charity.
Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan wore number 28 when he became the oldest person to play for a professional football club in England, aged 52 years and 11 months.
He said: "I am honoured to let Louis play in my number to help raise money for the charity. I wore this in 2003 for my record beating appearance at Hereford and this is the first time I have allowed it to be used since but I felt this was a good cause."
Claire Rintoul, chief executive of the hospice, said she was "thrilled and delighted" about the signing.
"Being a local lad it's great to see him giving back to the community and supporting our children with a shortened life expectancy," she said.
"He's visited us now on more than one occasion and met some of our children and their families who are all so excited that he is championing our cause.
"Louis was shocked when he learnt that we only receive a tiny amount of statutory funding and have to raise over £3m ourselves, but it means so much to us and our children and families that he's giving his time to help us raise money and awareness."
One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has signed as a footballer for his beloved Doncaster Rovers.
The 21-year-old, who once worked at the club as a waiter in the hospitality suite, has been issued with the number 28 shirt for the 2013/14 season.
He has signed as a non-contract player in aid of Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice in Sheffield.
Tomlinson, who will remain with the band, described it as "a childhood dream".
He told Sky News: "It's unbelievable really. I've been a massive football fan for a long time and obviously growing up in Doncaster I've been to plenty of games at the Keepmoat. To be part of the club is incredible."
Tomlinson is a season ticket holder and took part in a charity match at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium last October.
The singer added: "I got in contact with them to arrange a charity football match with my pub team and I kept my links and contacts from there. It's a great club."
Club manager Paul Dickov said Tomlinson will train with footballers from the Championship side. He hopes to play him in a reserve game in September or October in aid of the charity.
Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan wore number 28 when he became the oldest person to play for a professional football club in England, aged 52 years and 11 months.
He said: "I am honoured to let Louis play in my number to help raise money for the charity. I wore this in 2003 for my record beating appearance at Hereford and this is the first time I have allowed it to be used since but I felt this was a good cause."
Claire Rintoul, chief executive of the hospice, said she was "thrilled and delighted" about the signing.
"Being a local lad it's great to see him giving back to the community and supporting our children with a shortened life expectancy," she said.
"He's visited us now on more than one occasion and met some of our children and their families who are all so excited that he is championing our cause.
"Louis was shocked when he learnt that we only receive a tiny amount of statutory funding and have to raise over £3m ourselves, but it means so much to us and our children and families that he's giving his time to help us raise money and awareness."