Eight Premier League and English Football League (EFL) clubs have pledged their support to Plasma FC as part of the NHS’s Blood and Transplant campaign.
The initiative encourages supporters over the age of 17 who have suffered with COVID-19 to register as blood plasma donors to help prevent the spread of the virus, with research looking into new treatments by studying antibodies.
Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Foundation, and Brighton and Hove Albion are among those clubs that have pledged their support to the ‘Be The Difference’ campaign, urging fans to sign up to Plasma FC online.
Championship teams QPR, Blackburn Rovers’ Community Trust, and Watford, along with League One side Northampton Town, have also backed the cause.
Wolves and England defender Conor Coady commented: “The club is pleased to be promoting the Sign for Plasma FC campaign to all of our Wolves supporters. The last year has been so difficult for everyone in a variety of ways with overcoming COVID-19 up there as one of the toughest battles.
“We’d like to encourage all Wolves fans who are eligible, to get involved in donating their blood plasma so that we can help Be The Difference in the fight against this virus and help others out in the future. At Wolves we pride ourselves on the One Pack mentality and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of supporters to highlight this.”
As part of the initiative, the aforementioned clubs have worked with the NHS on a short film explaining the importance of donating blood plasma and becoming Plasma FC’s ‘next big signing’.
Supporters will also be able to support Plasma FC by following their club’s social media channels.
“I’m a fit and healthy guy, I’m a professional athlete, but coronavirus absolutely wiped me out,” explained QPR loanee Charlie Austin. “I’m lucky that I recovered without any issues and am still here playing today, but that’s the thing about COVID; it’s different for everyone. Someone we know could be the next person who needs new treatments to be found which could help save their life.
“I’ve enjoyed a playing career spanning over 10 years and have seen first-hand the power of sport to make a difference. We’ve never had a more important role to play so I hope the football community comes together to get behind plasma donation.”
