First Ever Robert Rowan Invitational To Be Held
Brentford B will Manchester City's Elite Development Squad in fundraiser
Rob Rowan (right) with Brentford's manager Thomas Frank. Picture: Brentford FC
April 29, 2023
The first ever Robert Rowan Invitational raising money for Heart of West London will see Brentford B take on Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad (EDS).
The fixture will commemorate the life and legacy of former Brentford FC technical director, Robert Rowan, who passed away in November 2018 due to an undiagnosed heart condition at the age of just 28. The club will donate all proceeds from the game to fund ground-breaking sports cardiology research at the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity, as part of Heart of West London partnership.
It is taking place at7:30pm on Friday 19 May at the Gtech Community Stadium. General admission tickets for the fixture are priced at £1 for juniors and £3 for adults. Premium tickets will include a pie and an alcoholic or soft drink and are priced at £20.
The Heart of West London partnership is made up of Brentford FC, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young, Resuscitation Council UK and A-K-A Day. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of CPR, prevent sudden cardiac deaths through screenings in the local community, support cardiac research and support those affected by cardiac health issues.
Before his passing, Robert played an instrumental role in forming Brentford B in 2016. He helped to drive the project in its infancy and contributed to the recruitment of B team players; some of whom have gone on to represent the first team such as Mads Bech Sørensen, Marcus Forss, as well as Josh Dasilva who joined the first team in the summer of 2018.
The match will also serve as an opportunity for Brentford’s young players to gain experience playing in a stadium environment in front of a large crowd of supporters, as they come up against a Manchester City EDS side who have just claimed their third consecutive Premier League 2 trophy.
Brentford B head coach Neil MacFarlane said: “Robert still has such a massive impact on the B team. We aim every day to carry on those values that he put into the project and do his name proud.
“I think it will be a great occasion. For us to have this level of game will be brilliant for the players and it’s a fixture that everyone is looking forward to. The supporters have been very supportive of our young group this season, particularly in the Premier League Cup, and they’ve really driven the boys on. Our fans will be able to see a really committed team, one that will look to go out and play fast, attacking football with a really good work ethic.”
Nity Raj, General Counsel at Brentford FC and Trustee of Brentford FC Community Sports Trust said, “At Brentford we strive to make a positive impact in the community. By bringing together an alliance of charities and organisations under the Heart of West London banner, we hope to change the game for people affected by cardiac disease.
“We miss Rob very much. His legacy remains evident through the first team, the B team and of course the Heart of West London initiative. Brentford B vs Man City EDS seems the perfect opportunity to celebrate our younger players and to raise money for a cause close to our heart.”
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