9 - Duncan Edwards celebration is big draw

Sir Bobby Charlton congratulates youngsters from the Duncan Edwards under eights team as part of a presentation ceremony in the High Street.

 

England soccer legend Sir Bobby Charlton spoke to the crowds about the Dudley born footballing hero and presented medals to youngsters who took part in a tournament at Castle High School.

 

The Mayor of Dudley councillor Ray Burston along with John and Keith Edwards, Duncan Edwards’ cousins, joined Sir Bobby on stage to make the presentations.

 

Sir Bobby Charlton said:

 

 

 

“Thank you for keeping the memory of Duncan Edwards going. He was such a sensational player.”

 

The former team mate of Duncan later viewed an exhibition at Dudley Museum and Art Gallery. The collection, which showcases Duncan Edwards’ achievements and local sporting memorabilia, attracted hundreds of visitors throughout the day.

 

Specially produced embroidered commemorative ‘Edwards’ football shirts were available to buy from Dudley Market on the day. 170 were sold in total, raising over £2,500 for the council’s Castle and Priory youth activity project.

 

The Castle High School football tournament was a great success with over 80 youngsters taking part. All the youngsters involved were presented with their own Edwards T-Shirt and relatives of Duncan Edwards witnessed all the games. Bobby Thomson, former Villa footballer, and Sir Bobby Charlton also witnessed some of the matches and were said to be impressed with the quality of football.

 

Live entertainment including music, singing and dancing also took place on stage in Dudley High Street. Throughout the day special guests talked about Duncan’s life and career as well as the achievements and successes of local young people.

 

 

“Welcoming Sir Bobby Charlton to Dudley to mark this special occasion was a tremendous honour.

 

“It was a delight to see so many people turn out to celebrate the life and achievements of Duncan Edwards, who was such a wonderful footballer.

 

“We are fortunate to have so much talent in the young people of Dudley. I know Duncan Edwards will stay in their hearts as a hero and role model for many generations to come.”

 

In addition, there were a number of activities in the town including face painting, a caricaturist, health checks, a Nintendo Wii and balloon modelling. West Midlands Police and Dudley Zoo were also there to hand out information along with Dudley Council’s adult learning, sport and physical activity and tourism teams.

 

Wolves in the Community hosted three soccer skills sessions, each catering for a different age group in Stone Street Square. Youngsters in the area also took the opportunity to look around the Museum on the Move van, which was in the square for the day.