Edwalton Cavaliers FC players, supporters and friends came together for a charity football match in memory of long-standing team member Chris Moore.
Chris, who had been involved with the club for 13 years, died suddenly earlier this year. His death led the club to support the men’s mental health charity MANUP?, which now features on the team’s shirts.
The memorial fundraising match was staged at Meadow Lane, the home of Notts County, after the club offered Edwalton Cavaliers full use of the ground for the event.
The match has so far raised more than £3,700.
A team made up of current senior players and former Edwalton Cavaliers players took on a side featuring members of Chris’s family, friends and players he had previously played five-a-side football with.
Supporters watched a 120-minute game featuring strong performances from both sides, with a number of goals scored at Meadow Lane.
The club said the event had been an emotional and fitting tribute to Chris, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness of men’s mental health.
A club spokesperson said: “As club president and senior team admin, I was overwhelmed and proud of everybody who contributed to making the day such a success.”
Team manager and coach Matt Heath also paid tribute following the event, with the club saying his words summed up the occasion and the importance of remembering Chris while supporting others who may be struggling.
Chris was remembered by the club as a valued and much-loved member of Edwalton Cavaliers FC, with photographs from the event showing the teams and officials lined up before kick-off, as well as Chris with his Players’ Player Award.
Matt said:
‘On behalf of everyone at Edwalton Cavaliers, we want to say a huge thank you to every single person who came down to Meadow Lane last night to support the Chris Moore Charity Match.
‘To everyone who played, volunteered, donated, shared our posts, helped organise the event, and cheered from the sidelines – thank you. The support shown was incredible from start to finish.
‘Most importantly, thank you to Chris’s family and friends. We were honoured to come together with you to celebrate Chris’s life and remember a person who meant so much to so many. The stories, memories, laughter and emotion throughout the evening showed exactly how much of an impact he had on everyone around him.
‘A special thank you must also go to Notts County Football Club for allowing us the opportunity to play at Meadow Lane. To be able to honour Chris on such a fantastic stage made the evening even more special, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support.
‘We’d also like to thank Doughnotts for supplying some absolutely unbelievable doughnuts on the night. They went down a treat and their generosity helped make the occasion even better.
‘Football was always going to be secondary. Last night was about people. It was about friendship, community, and remembering one of our own. The turnout and support exceeded anything we could have imagined.
‘We’re incredibly proud to announce that together we have raised over £3,000 for @manup.how and men’s mental health. An incredible achievement and a fitting tribute to Chris. Every donation will help support an important cause and continue the conversations that matter.
‘For anyone who wasn’t able to make it, or if you would still like to contribute, donations remain open and every pound makes a difference. Let’s see how much more we can raise in Chris’s memory.
‘Thank you once again to everyone who helped make the evening so special. Chris would have been proud to see so many people come together in his name.
‘Forever a Cavalier.’
