Collection for The Footballers' Battalion at Millers' match

Currently there is no memorial in the UK or on the Western Front recognising the sacrifices made by the Footballer's Battalions—two units of professional footballers almost completely wiped out during the First World War.

Enlisted players included Nottingham Forest and Tranmere Rovers attacking centre-half Joe Mercer, Manchester United and Liverpool winger Jackie Sheldon and Northampton Town's Walter Tull.

Millers Chief Operating Officer, Paul Douglas said:  "We are delighted to be involved in this fund-raising campaign for a very worthy cause.

"Having a memorial to footballers who had their lives cruelly cut short in the Great War is a terrific idea and Rotherham United are honoured to be able to help make this happen."

Phil Stant, Football League youth development officer (Midlands), is spearheading the campaign for a memorial, backed by The Football League.

He said: "The men that died in that Battalion have no memorial; there is nothing physical thanking them for the sacrifices they made.  

"It is important we raise money for this project and I am delighted that Rotherham have decided to participate."

Players from the Millers' Centre of Excellence will be around the ground before and during the game against Crewe to take donations from fans.