Peckham Town FC aims to break crowd record on 20th anniversary of death of Damilola Taylor
A popular non-league football club hopes to break its crowd record on Saturday – with social distancing – in a game to mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Damilola Taylor.
Peckham Town FC broke its previous record on September 26 with a 0-0 draw against Faversham Strike Force, attended by 184 people – the Menace Arena can hold 1,500 at capacity.
This time Damilola Taylor’s dad, Richard, will attend the match against Stansfield (O&B) on Dulwich Common, as well as ex-England youth international Cherno Samba, once of Millwall and one of the most valuable players to feature on video game FIFA at the time.
The club is showing its public support to the Damilola Taylor Trust ‘Hope 2020 campaign’ on Saturday, October 10.
Shortly before his untimely death on November 27, 2000 the 10-year-old wrote of his hope to change the world.
The 20th anniversary campaign is dedicated to young people and their aspirational stories.
Richard Taylor OBE, will speak at a short event at 2.15pm, ahead of kick-off.
Mr Taylor will also unveil a new 10m banner of support for Black Lives Matter, which will feature at the entrance to the ground for the rest of the season.
The banner and event also support the Rio Ferdinand Foundation – the former England captain was born and raised in Peckham.
Andrew Ducille, head of the foundation’s London programmes, said: “We are proud to be involved with Peckham Town FC in supporting both Black Lives Matter and the Hope 2020 campaign here in Southwark, and it’s fantastic to see local clubs supporting these important causes.
“The ethos of Peckham Town in supporting young people and communities reflects our own, and we see this as a start of a longer term partnership between the club and the Foundation.”
The club’s chairman, Bryan Hall, said: “We have a rich history of supporting young people in Peckham fulfil their potential, and naturally young black people are a big part of that.
“The Black Lives Matter movement has had a big impact on me and our club this year. Change is well overdue, and I hope that the movement is the beginning of a journey.
“The Hope 2020 campaign is an important part of this. I am pleased that we can do our little bit to keep the momentum going.”
Entrance is £3 for adults – U16 are free.
Pictured top: Peckham Town FC
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