Watford Football Club will this weekend host a collection in memory of seven former footballers who served in the 17th Middlesex Battalion, known as the Footballer's Battalion.

Staff and young players will stand outside Vicarage Road Stadium before kick-off against Middlesbrough on Saturday to receive donations from fans.

These is no existing memorial in the UK or on the Western Front recognising the sacrifices made by soldiers in the Footballer's Battalions – two units of professional footballers that were almost completely wiped out during World War One.

Among their ranks were several former Hornets, including Ted Bassett, Hayden Green, Joe McLaughlan, Joe Orme, Alex Stewart, Joe Webster and Reg Williams.

Leigh Brooks, head of marketing and media at Watford, said: “Watford FC are very proud to support the Footballers Battalion and feel that it is extremely important to have a memorial for all the men who gave their lives for our country.

“Watford had several players involved in the Battalion and the Armed Forces are close to the heart of the Club. We raised significant awareness and money for Help For Heroes last year and we are honoured to support this very worthwhile cause too.”

Phil Stant, Football League youth development officer (Midlands), who is spearheading the campaign for a memorial, said: “The men that died in that Battalion have no memorial; there is nothing physical thanking them for the sacrifices they made. It is crucial that we raise money for this project and I am delighted that Watford have decided to participate and I would like to thank them and their supporters in advance for their efforts.”