It’s no secret that dementia is a simply dreadful thing. It steals from people the very thing that makes them “them”. And it’s tough beyond belief for friends and families to see their loved one go through such an ordeal. Almost a million people in the UK are living with the condition – one of whom, sadly, is ex-Boro’ player Graham Aslett. Now, in his name, the Aslett family are organising a charity football match and fundraiser in aid of Dementia UK.
Who is Graham Aslett – “Asso”?
Graham Aslett is/was a footballer by trade; a player who is a rarity in that he turned out for both Stevenages Athletic, Town and Boro’. The always-excellent Stevenage Football Archive is the place to go for Asso’s Athletic stats. After the demise of Athletic, he’d make his return for a fledgling Boro’ in our first-ever season as a senior side (1979-80) – albeit a side that hadn’t been admitted into a senior league at that point.
Asso – a graduate of Huddersfield Town‘s youth setup – left before we made the step up to the United Counties League in 1980. He went on to feature for a range of other local teams; not unlike many other players of the era. But his association with us wasn’t over; making a welcome return in 1990. There were only a handful of outings in our record-breaking 1990-91 campaign – but it all counted, as did his role as assistant reserve team gaffer at the time.
- Boro’ Build New Future, 15 August 1979
What is the Asso Family Fundraiser?
So, now for the important detail – the charity football match and fundraiser on Saturday 6 June 2026. The day as a whole will be centred on the Dun Cow pub from 12pm. But the main draw (arguably) is the charity football match played at Marriotts School between 1pm and 4pm with kick off at 2pm. Half time penalty shoot out for the kids organised by Lads Speak Out. It’ll be contested between a Stevenage Legends and Asso United. And there are some illustrious names turning out for the occasion.
Paul Fairclough is managing one of the teams, assisted by Paul Peterson. Under their watch shall be Darran Hay, Tony Ward, Neil Trebble, Richard Nugent, Adam Parker, and James Dillnutt. It’s not a bad collection of icons, wouldn’t you say?
Back at the Dun Cow, there’ll be some incredible football memorabilia and other items on offer in the raffle and charity auction. We’re also told that Deano Thompson will be on the mic, which is always a boon in our eyes. More importantly, there are so many ways to have fun, be entertained, and come away with something awesome. all while raising money for something so important. So, clear your schedule and get on down there if you can!
Essential Info:
- Date: Saturday 6 June, 12pm-4pm
- Venue: Dun Cow pub and Marriotts School
- Pub opens: 12pm (football crowd in from 5pm ish, music from 7pm)
- Kickoff: at Marriotts 2pm (Telford Ave entrance)
- Events: Charity football match, kids entertainment, raffle, charity auction, live music
- In aid of: Dementia UK
- JustGiving Link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/carly-aslett-11
