St Helens reveal 2018 Magic Weekend shirt in aid of autism charity

St Helens have revealed their 2018 Magic Weekend shirt, for when they take on Widnes at Newcastle’s St James’ Park on Saturday May 19.

It is the third Magic Weekend shirt the club has produced in association with the St Helens Autism Support Charity (SAS) and reaffirms the club’s commitment to helping local people with autism.

Almost £20,000 has been raised by the previous shirt launches, and this year’s shirt is available to pre-order until Monday April 23.

Each shirt carries the logo of St Helens Autism Support, while 10% of net profit from each shirt will be donated to the local group; players’ shirts will also be auctioned off for the same cause.

Saints fan Josh Taylor, pictured with James Roby and Danny Richardson, who is on the Autism Spectrum helped launch the Magic shirt and has been undertaking work experience at the club as part of his college course.

He has been working with many different departments including Retail, Ground Safety and Media as well as helping out at recent Captain’s Runs and on matchday in store.

Josh, who is a huge Saints fan, also met one of his heroes in Mal Meninga at the Good Friday Derby.

Josh’s Father Ade said: “Thank you so much for giving Josh yet another amazing opportunity. We are completely overwhelmed by the way he has been welcomed in to the club and we really can’t thank you all enough.

“To say Josh has grown in stature since he first came to the club is an understatement. He now has a real purpose and feels a valued member of the team. The inclusion that has been demonstrated is second to none and, from a parent’s point of view, we know he is in a safe and encouraging environment.

“One of the most important aspects of his development has been in the social skills he has learnt, like knowing when NOT to walk in to the boardroom! We can see an enormous difference in this area and it is clear he is transferring the skills he is developing at the club in to his everyday life.

“It is impossible to express our thanks enough. You have all given a young man, who has faced many challenges and discrimination over the years, an opportunity to shine. And I think it’s safe to say that he is grabbing it with both hands!”