WHILE Swindon Town prepare for their final match of the season at Wembley next weekend, the County Ground is not done just yet.
Tomorrow, a charity football match remembering one of Swindon’s best-known names in non-league football will take to the grass rectangle in County Road.
The Dave Turner Memorial Fund was established after the former player and manager died in February 2014, with its aim to support disabled children in football.
Dave, who managed Shrivenham, Wootton Bassett and Pewsey Vale before he suffered a heart attack at the age of 52, enjoyed coaching children during his time in football.
This match has been organised by Dave’s son James, with the help of his other son Alex, as well as former charge Sam Collier.
At 3pm, 30 to 40 of the thousands of footballers Dave has worked with will take to Swindon Town’s pitch and remember the man who supported them so passionately.
“The weather’s looking okay, but we’ve been on the phone to Marcus, the groundsman, and told him to make sure Cooper and that lot are staying off the pitch,” said Sam.
With a few late injuries, there have been a number of late changes and alterations to the squads playing tomorrow.
But with no shortage of passionate former players to get onto the town’s best-kept pitch, there haven’t been any serious selection dramas.
As well as the football at 3pm, there are a number of options for spectators to put their money into, with signed Swindon Town and Chelsea footballs available in the raffle.
There will also be a free meal-for-two available at New Calley Arms in Wanborough, courtesy of Sam’s half-brother and landlord, Jon Beeden.
The winning team will also have the chance to lift a specially-engraved trophy donated by former Town legend Don Rogers.
“The response has been fantastic. We just hope and pray that as many people who say they’re going to come, do stick to their word,” said Sam.
“People must remember they don’t need to come just to watch the football. This is also an opportunity to pay your respects to Dave.
“He will be looking down and expecting us all to get stuck in and have a proper game of it.
“This is all about trying to raise money for the charity which is achieving the things he wanted to do before his death.
“The fund has already raised enough money to put on one session for disabled children to play football and we hope this will raise enough for another session in the summer holidays for them.”
There has been plenty of support from Shrivenham Town, Wootton Bassett Town and Wroughton too, who have donated a kit to one of the teams to play in.
Anyone who cannot make the event itself, is welcome to attend New Calley Arms in Wanborough after full-time.
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