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Students’ charity football match in memory of Banbury United supporter and father
28/04/2023
“It feels unreal that all these people are getting involved and it’s made me realise how much my dad was known around Banbury”
Sports students from Banbury and Bicester College will be playing a charity football match tomorrow (Saturday) in memory of a Banbury United supporter and father to one of them. The game will be played at Banbury United’s Station Approach ground and will raise money for the British Heart Foundation and Cardiac Risk in the Young.
Its been arranged following the passing of stalwart Banbury United supporter Andrew Steele. He was only 36. Mr Steel’s son, Matthew, is a current Banbury United Academy player and Banbury and Bicester College student.
As well as raising money for the charities its hoped the afternoon will provide an awareness of cardiac arrest in young people as well as celebrating the life of Andrew Steele.
The game will see Banbury United Academy Level 3 students playing 11-a-side against their parents and college staff.
Matthew Steele is a Level 3 Sports student. He said: “This is class. It feels unreal that all these people are getting involved and it’s made me realise how much my dad was known around Banbury.
“It is great that all my mates on the course want to get involved as much as I do. I wish my dad was here to see this.”
There is no entry fee to attend the match but a small donation of £3 on entry is suggested. In addition to the match, there will also be half-time entertainment, a raffle and the clubhouse will be open for food and drink.
Kieron Duggan, Sports Teacher at Banbury and Bicester College, said: “We have decided that my students and I will be completing their Project-Based Learning, organising and raising money for the British Heart Foundation and Cardiac Risk in the Young.
“During this time, they will be gaining some work experience with the British Heart Foundation stores in Banbury and helping out. Being a teacher is more than just telling a group of students what is what and who is who. It’s about inspiring young minds to inspire others, create goals and to never give up.
“This game is a way of celebrating the life of a man who sadly passed away at a very early age with something him and his son loved the most, football. It’s also a chance for my students to see that learning isn’t just in the classroom. It’s developing outside, becoming ready for the outside world.”
The local community are invited to attend the 3pm match. Donations online can be made via the Banbury and Bicester College Memorial Match JustGiving page.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam