Fans Unite In Memory Of Adam

Here is the Express and Echo's report on the Exeter City Supporters versus Plymouth Argyle Supporters fundraising matches:


Fans unite in memory of former Exeter City player Stansfield

EXETER City and Plymouth Argyle football supporters forgot their differences to play in a charity match to raise money for the Adam Stansfield Foundation.

The match was the second round of a tournament to support the charity, set up in memory of City's popular striker, who died in August last year of bowel cancer, aged just 31.

Two teams from each side took part.

The teams had already met at Ottery St Mary around Easter-time and the game yesterday was to decide fourth and third places and, of course, the eventual winning side.

The matches held at Ottery St Mary raised in the region of £1,000 and the organisers were hoping for at least as much yesterday.

Playing on one of the Exeter sides was 16-year-old Jamie Kelly, a dedicated City supporter.

Jamie said: "I'm playing to help the charity.

"I go to every City game as I have a season ticket – I've had a season ticket for the past three years."

Jamie played in his school team and was taking to the pitch as a striker.

In goal was 16-year-old Jacob Poblocki who, although from Kingskerswell, is a keen City supporter and goes to most home games. Jacob said: "I support City because I used to play in their youth team when I was 13 and because they are a good team who play good football."

Yesterday's matches were played at the Civil Service Club pitch in Exwick, and special permission had been granted to allow the football to go ahead.

Mark Willey, secretary of the Exeter Civil Service Football Club, said: "The pitch has been re-seeded and normally there is only cricket played on it between May and August but the groundsman gave special permission for the matches to go ahead as it is for the foundation."

Money raised for the foundation goes towards supporting youth football.

Adam Stansfield's family described the Ottery St Mary event as a "great day" and plans are now being made to make it an annual fundraising date, which could see teams from Adam's other former clubs, which include Hereford United, Yeovil Town and Elmore, take part.

Apart from the football action there was lots of other entertainment and a barbecue for spectators to enjoy.

These included live music and a disco during the evening.

The Adam Stansfield Foundation promotes youth football in the South West.

The Adam Stansfield Family Fund was also set up to help his widow Marie and her three young sons.

Source: www.thisisexeter.co.uk