RANGERS are proud to announce we will welcome 150 armed services personnel to Ibrox for Saturday’s home match with Aberdeen.
The annual Armed Forces Day celebrations are to honour the brave men and women of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF.
Rangers FC and the Rangers Charity Foundation have a proud tradition of supporting our troops and are pleased to once again show our support.
Rangers boss Michael Beale can’t wait to have them on hand for the Premiership clash with the Dons.
He said: “We are delighted to welcome the three branches of the services back to Ibrox this year to acknowledge their huge contribution and sacrifice on our behalf.
“This is a day I look forward to most in the season and it will be good to see them all at the game.
“I know the supporters will give the troops a very warm welcome and there will be a really special atmosphere at the stadium.”
Commander Gary Farmer, Royal Navy, is looking forward to the celebrations and has thanked the club for their continued support.
He said: “The Armed Forces are honoured that once again the Rangers Charity Foundation and the football club, demonstrate their unwavering support to our service personnel by hosting the annual Armed Forces Day event at Ibrox Stadium.
“Their continued commitment to the Armed Forces is outstanding. Our personnel; regulars, reservists, veterans and uniformed cadet organisations, appreciate the support that we get from the Charity Foundation, the club and the supporters, and we all very much look forward to the event.”
The celebrations will begin outside the stadium from noon, with community engagement activities in the Argyle Car Park.
The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals will also provide some pre-match entertainment at New Edmiston House, as well as on the pitch at half-time.
A representative from each branch of the armed services will be present as the teams enter the pitch and personnel from the Royal Air Force will abseil into the stadium from the Sandy Jardine Stand before handing the match ball over to the referee.
As well as welcoming 150 troops, representatives of each branch of the armed forces will watch the game from the Directors’ Box.
Fans will also be able to show their support as the Rangers Charity Foundation will host a can collection outside the stadium before the match, with the Fund aiming to raise £10,000 to be split between service-related charities – Military Matters and BRAVEHOUND.
The Foundation has already donated £241,000 to armed forces and veterans’ charities to date, as well as significant in-kind support to a range of charities including Erskine, SSAFA, Combat Stress and Poppyscotland.