SAINTS men's first team have collectively donated over £10,000 ahead of Saturday’s Saints Foundation Matchday.

The players have come together to make this hugely generous donation to the Saints Foundation Matchday appeal.

Saturday’s clash with Sunderland marks this year’s Saints Foundation Matchday, an annual fixture in the season calendar that celebrates and supports the club’s charity.

Captain Jack Stephens said: “We’re proud to make this donation to Saints Foundation. All the lads know about the great work being done by the Foundation.

"When the fixture schedule allows, we all enjoy getting out in the community and we can see how much the Foundation means to people.

“It’s good to give back ahead of the Foundation Matchday on Saturday, and we encourage any fans that can to show their support, too.”

Manager Russell Martin added: “I’m really proud that the squad are supporting Saints Foundation.

"We all understand how important this club and its charity are to the city, and want to help where they can.

“The work Saints Foundation do in the local community is life-changing – I saw that first-hand at their charity dinner last week.

"The money they raise this weekend will help them do more for even more people, so please give if you can.”

Greg Baker, CEO of Saints Foundation, said: “We’re hugely grateful to all the players who have made this donation.

"It’s incredibly generous and we’ll use it to make a real difference to the people of Southampton.

“It’s great to see the whole club – staff, players and fans – rallying together to cheer on our Saints off-the-pitch.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s given already, and we look forward to hopefully raising even more on Saturday.”

In the build-up to Saturday’s game, fans can enter the Saints Foundation Matchday prize draw.

A £5 ticket puts them in the mix to win a Hospitality Box for Good Friday (29 March), when Saints face Middlesborough.

Hundreds of Saints Foundation participants will be joining us at St Mary’s on Saturday, celebrating their achievements and enjoying some once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

With bucket collections, hospitality raffles and the online prize draw running until Sunday (10 March), there are lots of ways for fans to show their support.