Millwall’s annual Jimmy’s Day in memory of Jimmy Mizen has been highlighted by The EFL.
You can read the full piece below.
“This is the true character of Millwall”: ‘Jimmy’s Day’ in memory of fan’s son
On 1 February, Millwall will host Queens Park Rangers at The Den for their upcoming Sky Bet Championships fixture.
Saturday’s match is among the most significant marked in the club’s calendar, not necessarily due to the action on the field, but for the fans it’s a day to remember one of their own.
In 2008, Lions fan Jimmy Mizen, from Lewisham, London, was tragically murdered just a day after celebrating his 16th birthday.
Since his passing, Jimmy’s parents, Barry and Margaret Mizen, MBE, dedicated their lives to keeping their son’s name alive, using his story to promote peace and turn the tide on serious violence.
The Mizen family, and the Mizen Foundation built in Jimmy’s memory, have a long-standing relationship with their beloved football club, having worked in tandem with Millwall and their charity arm to raise awareness and challenge young people across the UK to become peace-makers in their local communities.
Among the collaborative work delivered by the Mizen Foundation and the Millwall Community Trust is ‘Jimmy’s Day’ – an annual fixture in which the home side remain unbeaten to this day.
“The Millwall fans, from the very beginning, were very supportive, and have been supportive all the way,” said Barry, Jimmy’s father and co-founder of the Mizen Foundation.
“I wanted to do something for this club. has received negative press over the years, but this is the true character of this club. This is what it’s about.
“Our issues in society are undermined by the break down in families, for whatever reason, but to the Millwall fans, family is important. We are all supported by the Millwall family.
“We’re very grateful to the club for enabling ‘Jimmy’s Day’. We’re proud, and we’ll do whatever we can to show this club in the light that it deserves: as a good family club.”
To mark the occasion, bucket collections will be held before kick-off, whilst Barry takes to the pitch to address his fellow Lions fans.
Online donations will also be readily available via the Mizen Foundation website.
“I went out on the pitch last year and the sprinklers came on,” joked Barry, as he recalled his speech ahead of Millwall’s clash against Sheffield United two years ago.
“It’s just such a privilege to go out there. People ask if I get nervous, and I do, but the warmth from the fans just spreads through the stadium.”
Beyond the yearly clash at The Den, in recent years, the Millwall Community Trust introduced its annual Jimmy Mizen Cup.
Last Thursday, six local schools were invited to contest in small-sided football games in a vie for the coveted Jimmy Mizen Cup trophy.
Eventual winning side, Twin Oaks Primary School, will be presented their award by Jimmy’s mother, Margaret, at half-time during Millwall’s match against QPR.
“The youngsters from local schools have a great time,” added Barry. “Sport becomes what sport should be, and that’s a bit of fun.”
