FAMILY and friends paid tribute to football fanatic Keiren Edney, who died of suspected meningitis last month, at a memorial day at Melksham Town FC.

Hundreds of people gathered in the sun to remember the 21-year-old teaching assistant at The Conigre on Sunday for two games of football and fundraising. The day was organised by Steve Hooper of The Charlie Austin Football School and has so far raised £2,000.

“Everyone has been amazing and so have the messages of support,” his mother Louise Edney said. “We have decided to support Meningitis Now because I think they do really good work and they have been in touch with us to offer support and help off their own backs, which is lovely.

The club also held a bake sale and a large raffle, with prizes ranging from a shirt donated by Charlie Austin, a one-way limo ride to Bath for five people and a variety of vouchers donated from businesses across the county were held before the matches between Melksham U16s v The Charlie Austin Football School, which ended 3-3, and Melksham XI and Calne Eagles, who won 0-3.

A minute’s silence was held before the matches and all players wore a black armband. Mr Edney’s father Dale also made an appearance for both Melksham and Calne wearing his son’s kit.

Eagles secretary Roy Wenham said: “It was a nice day all round but very sad. It all went very well and it was a very good turnout. Ned played pretty much every game for us and was a big part of the team and he will be sorely missed.”

A tribute on the club’s website says: “In the two seasons and 46 games you played for us the team improved immeasurably.

“Your big heart, strong personality, dignity, intelligence, commitment and sharp sense of humour played a big part in helping Calne Eagles bond and become a better club.

“We have lost a friend and a leader, not to mention a quality player.”