HARWICH and Parkeston host FC Clacton in a special charity match this weekend.
The Kevin Beattie Foundation Cup has been played for annually since 2021 in honour of the late former Ipswich Town and England star, who played for both clubs once his professional career ended.
Beattie, who made 50 appearances for Harwich and scored 28 goals during the mid-1980s, died in 2018, aged 64, and the charitable foundation was set up in his honour shortly afterwards.
Looking forward to this game, which is always a great watch. @OfficialHarwich v @FC_Clacton
— KevinBeattieFoundation (@KevinBeattieFo1) July 2, 2025
Come and get your football fix whilst supporting the Foundation in the name of the club's greatest player.
Lots of prizes to win also! pic.twitter.com/O4pcqm1U7H
The “Beat” was immensely popular at Harwich and enjoyed his time playing at the club under manager Tony Armstrong.
His friends Malcolm and Tony have many a tale to tell about this warm and lovable man.
This game, which takes place on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), will be the first chance for Harwich supporters to see the squad that manager Matt Carmichael is assembling for their entry back into Step 5 football and for Shrimpers supporters to remember one voted their greatest player.
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The Shrimpers will be looking to defend the trophy they won for the first time in four attempts last year.
They will be favourites to do so having won promotion to Step 5 of the non-league pyramid in May, while Clacton – managed by ex-Harwich boss Kieron Shelley - were relegated to Step 6.
Harwich’s promotion means they will play in the Essex Senior League for their first time in their history in 2025/26.
⏳ @OfficialHarwich's pre-season kicks off with the annual @KevinBeattieFo1 Cup match on the Oak this Saturday (KO 3pm).
— Harwich & Parkeston FC History (@HPFChistory) July 2, 2025
🏆 12 months ago, #HPFC lifted the trophy for the 1st time, beating @FC_Clacton 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
🤣 They did have a goalie then, though... pic.twitter.com/Mt76CFGv1F
Their first league game will take place on July 26, at Great Wakering Rovers.
Before then, Carmichael’s side have five friendly fixtures arranged, starting tomorrow - a match for which they will be without last season’s player of the year, Brad Cook who is unavailable.
Most of last season’s squad is expected to play, though, while the Shrimpers have also signed defender Max Long (from Wivenhoe), midfielder James Letts (Clacton) and winger Charlie Lindoe (Cornard) during the summer.
HPFC pre-season fixtures: Sat July 5 – Clacton (H, 3pm); Sat July 12 – Stanway Rovers (H, 1pm), Tue July 15 – Holland (H, 7.45pm); Sat July 19 – Kings Park Rangers (H, 3pm); Tue July 22 – Brantham (H, 7.45pm).
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