For Moseley Rugby Club has agreed to host a charity match on Sunday May 1st at its Billesley Common ground between Villa Old Stars and a team representing Malachi, the specialist family support services provider, which itself is based at Billesley.

Gordon Lee OBE, founder of Malachi, said: “Whilst this is a charity event we are not raising money for ourselves – instead we are raising much-needed funds for the Stiliyan Petrov Leukaemia Foundation and the vital work it does with Birmingham Children’s Hospital.”

He added: “Stiliyan Petrov was a great favourite with the Villa fans during his days as club captain – sadly having to retire from the game in 2013 after being diagnosed with acute leukaemia himself. To see former Villa players still turning out in support of his Foundation shows just how well he is regarded – and how players and fans alike are determined to raise funds for his appeal.”

Ex-Villa legends have promised to play while the Malachi team will include members of staff, colleagues and friends.

The match takes place on Sunday, May 1st with a 2 pm kick-off and organisers are hoping for an attendance in the region of 3,000.

Supporters will be to watch the game from the Moseley club’s brand-new £3 million grandstand.