The Shropshire-born striker, who grew up in Telford, died in 2016.
On Thursday, on what would have been Mr Atkinson’s 58th birthday, a bench was unveiled in his memory by his family and a legacy fund was launched in his honour.
At the unveiling in Trench Pool, Telford, former footballers who played alongside Dalian including Tony Daley, Shaun Teale, Simon Milton, Franz Carr and Jason Dozzell were joined by members of the Atkinson family, Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire Community Foundation to unveil the bench and announce a new £1 million fund to support local young people aged five to 25 to further their sporting talents.
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Shaun Davies said: “Dalian Atkinson was a true Telford talent and inspiration to boys and girls in our borough.
“Today, on what would have been Dalian’s 58th birthday, we celebrate his life and achievements in a really meaningful way.”
He added that Telford & Wrekin Council has donated £10,000 to kick-start the legacy fund.
“Dalian’s legacy fund will unlock the sporting potential of young people across the borough and beyond.”
The Dalian Atkinson Legacy Fund, which is being managed by Shropshire Community Foundation, aims to raise £1 million for young people, said Sonia Roberts, trustee of the foundation.
Following the unveiling of the bench, Dalian’s family spoke of their “pride” in remembering him.
Dalian’s brother Paul Atkinson said: “Thank you all for coming to remember Dalian with us. Today would have been his birthday, and unfortunately it is another day when he is not here. But he will live forever in all our lives.”
