Professor Willie Stewart from Glasgow University has published research showing that footballers are up to five times more likely to suffer from dementia than the general population.

He believes that neurodegenerative brain disease is linked to heading after further studies showed that defenders were more at risk than goalkeepers, who do not head the ball.

Gates said: “The area we are looking to raise money for is research, because we want to look at investigating not just the causes of sports related neurodegenerative disease, but look for a potential cure.

“If you want to come along and see a unique experiment and think further on how we can protect our players and the future of the game then we welcome you to The Brewery Field on Sunday 26 September.”

The Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust, which will represent Head For Change’s opponents, was launched to help those touched by cancer.

The charity, which already has strong links with the club and is a beacon in the community, aims to create a place which will support individuals and families in County Durham and Darlington who are affected by cancer.

Solan said: “Myself and Judith are very passionate about what we do and both have genuine and personal reasons for having a charity.

“My story is something that happened to me a long time ago, where as sadly for Judith and Bill they are living with it now.

“The game is set to be the biggest yet for us and we have managed to attract some of the best names to date including Gavin McCann, Craig Hignett, Danny Graham and a host of former Spennymoor and Middlesbrough players.”