Legends of Football, in aid of Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy, today announces Barclays as the headline sponsor for 2023.

Extending its long-term association with football, Barclays will be the headline sponsor for 2023 Legends of Football. For over two decades, their partnership with the Premier League has seen the league go from strength to strength, and as the proud first title sponsor of the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, Barclays made the largest ever commercial investment in women’s sport in the UK and are committed to giving girls in England equal access to football in schools by 2024.

In addition to Barclays’ heritage in football, over the past 20-years in the Entertainment industry, Barclaycard has given customers enviable access across the UKs biggest events and has supported world famous events. Alongside their headline sponsorship of Capital’s Summertime Ball and Jingle Bell Ball, as part of its partnership with Global, the Media and Entertainment group, this year they’ve demonstrated their ongoing commitment to the UK’s festival scene, as headline sponsors of both The Isle of Wight Festival, and Latitude festival until 2027. Barclaycard are committed to supporting career development in the industry and has recently announced the launch of two bursary programmes as a part of this ongoing commitment.

At the prestigious 2023 Legends of Football event on October 2^nd Chelsea FC Women’s manager, Emma Hayes, and Arsenal goal-scoring hero Ian Wright will join an esteemed list of recipients including Pelé, David Beckham, Arsène Wenger and most recently, England manager, Gareth Southgate and Lioness hero, Ellen White to be honoured by Legends of Football.

Described by Sir Alex Ferguson as “the best night in the football social calendar”, the Legends of Football event is an annual charity fundraising night, supported by the Premier League, in aid of the UK’s largest music therapy charity. From an adult with dementia reconnecting with family, to a child with autism finding their voice, Nordoff and Robbins have been providing transformative music therapy for more than 60 years. Their trained therapists harness the power of music to help break through barriers caused by life-limiting illness, disability and social isolation, creating space for people to express themselves and find connection.

The event has raised a staggering £8.5 million to date since 1997 when John Charles CBE was the first recipient.

‘‘Barclays have a rich heritage in football with a long-standing association with the Premier League, the Barclays Women’s Super League and have done an amazing job in promoting grass roots initiatives.” Commented Geoff Shreeves, Broadcaster and Legends of Football chairman. “Allied with their backing of world class, music, arts and culture they are the perfect sponsor for this year’s Legends of Football event as we bring the worlds of football and music together to celebrate the legendary careers of Ian Wright and Emma Hayes.”

Tom Corbett, Managing Director, Sponsorship, Barclays, said: “We’re delighted to be the headline sponsor for this year’s Legends of Football event. We are committed to supporting music, sports, arts and culture, and are really excited to celebrate the amazing achievements of Ian, who is also our long-standing football ambassador, and Emma on 2^nd October.  Legends of Football is a wonderful night and initiative that supports an amazing charity, Nordoff and Robbins, whose invaluable work through the use of music therapy improves the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. We look forward to seeing you there for a fantastic evening of music and football.” Legends of Football will honour Ian Wright and Emma Hayes at a star-studded event on 2^nd October 2023 at Grosvenor House, London. Packages start from £5,500 + VAT