Charity football tournament in memory of Lee Pennycuick and Chris Ekins

Alresford Vets, FC Byair, AFC Colchester and Team LP3 will play at Alresford Colne Rangers on July 10 to raise money for Mind UK.

The tournament has been arranged in memory of Lee Pennycuick, who died in 2016, and Chris Ekins, who died earlier this year.

One of the organisers Chris Morgan said: "It is great to take part in a tournament in my village and to play against both the Alresford vets and my old team FC Byair.

"We'll also be going up against Luke Dyer's team AFC Colchester, whom are reforming to honour Luke's best friend Chris Ekins whom also lived in Alresford before he sadly passed away earlier this year.

"I'll also be playing for Team LP3, who are reforming again to honour our good friend Lee Pennycuick, another of our friends whom is greatly missed by many people and like Chris left us far too soon.

"The effect of Lee passing away in 2016 still resonates with me today and I know exactly what the guys at AFC Colchester will be feeling like and going through.

"I have had personal experiences with mental health issues over the years so to a certain extent I can understand the effects this has on people and their friends and families.

"I am happy that we are all able to pull together to remember two great people and to raise funds for such a good cause."

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The event, which is sponsored by Pro Actions Business Coaching and Byair-Conditioning, will also feature a bar, DJ and games for little ones.

Team - Chris Morgan, Andy Smith, Lee Pennycuick (left) and Adam Dyer

Andy Smith, part of the club's management, said: "Mental health issues are steadily on the increase especially with people having to deal with the repercussions of the recent lockdowns.

"But the harsh reality of the stats is that the majority of cases are often not ever bought forward with people young and old, choosing not to discuss what they are going through on a daily basis feeling somewhat ashamed and sometimes this is to late.

"I personally, having been through what I will always remember as ‘hitting rock bottom’ would like to use this opportunity through sport to help others realise that we are all in this together. It’s not only good to talk but important."

The event takes place on Saturday, July 10, between 10am and 5pm, at Alresford Colne Rangers, in Ford Lane.

Find out more at https://bit.ly/3vRn8nc.