A charity football match is taking place at Banbury United Stadium in memory of the father of an academy player who died of a cardiac arrest.

Banbury United Academy level three students studying at Banbury and Bicester College will play 11-a-side against their parents and college staff to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and Cardiac Risk in the Young.

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The students have arranged the match as an opportunity to raise awareness of cardiac arrest in young people, following the death of Andrew Steele, father of Matthew Steele, a current Banbury United Academy player and Banbury and Bicester College student.

The college student 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’s great that all my mates on the course want to get involved as much as I do.

“I do wish my dad was here to see this.”

There will be 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.

Sports teacher at Banbury and Bicester College Kieron Duggan said: “Unfortunately, back in April 2022, one of my students lost their father due to a cardiac arrest. He was only 36.

“I have decided that my students 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.

“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 love 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 community are invited to attend the match in person on Saturday April 29, at 3pm, or they can donate via the JustGiving page: Kieron Duggan is fundraising for British Heart Foundation (justgiving.com).

The page has seen £625 of donations from 48 supporters so far, of a £500 target.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1