Alvechurch FC: Charity match for Worcestershire football fan

Former player Keith Rostill is organising a charity game in tribute to Ray Lloyd who was a dedicated and lifelong supporter of Alvechurch FC. 

Ray, who died in June this year aged 88, had supported Alvechurch FC for more than 50 years and has been described as "highly respected" amongst the local footballing community. 

Ray was a lifelong Alvechurch supporter (Image: Keith Rostill) Mr Rostill, aged 44, from Longbridge, said: "I played for Alvechurch for 10 years between 2002 and 2012 and no matter what, Ray would be there supporting the club through thick and thin. 

"He'd followed the club since the 1970s and spent his hard-earned money on attending the matches. He was a lovely bloke and I always got on with him. Many supporters and players have really fond memories of Ray.

"I wanted to do something to help honour his memory, so I approached the club to see if I could host a charity football match." 

Former player Keith Rostill has organised the charity match (Image: Keith Rostill) Ray, a former toolmaker, grew up in Birmingham but later moved to Redditch where his love affair with Alvechurch first started. 

His son Andy Lloyd said his dad would try to make it to as many games as possible both home and away and was "touched" by plans for the charity match in his honour. 

The 52-year-old said: "I really can't thank Keith, the club and the ex-players enough. Over the past 50 years, Keith was one of my dad's favourite players, so it is really humbling that he would organise the match in his memory. 

"Alvechurch has always been a huge part of my dad's life. I think my mum was his first love, Alvechurch came second and then there was me. I had such a happy childhood and remember my dad taking the neighbourhood kids down the park to play 20-a-side football. My dad was very easy to love. 

"Players come and go but the supporters remain the same. My dad couldn't get to as many of the games after my mum became ill, but he would still ring them up and the club would send mementoes over to him. They have a very loyal fan base at Alvechurch FC and it is so touching that they want to honour my dad."

Ray Lloyd with his wife Brenda and their son Andy (Image: Keith Rostill) The charity match, which will see former players and supporters go head-to-head, is set to take place on Sunday, September 29 from 1pm at Lye Meadow. 

Kick-off is at 2pm but there will also be bouncy castles, food, drinks, a raffle, a kids penalty shootout and the opportunity to swap your old football boots. 

Tickets can be bought on the day for £2 with all money raised going to Dementia UK in honour of Ray's wife Brenda who died in June 2023. 

Ray Lloyd with his wife Brenda (Image: Keith Rostill) Mr Rostill added: "We have had a great response to the charity match so far from the community, supporters and Ray's son Andy.

"There will be something for everyone to enjoy at the match including the kids so we just hope the weather is good. 

"I hope this will become an annual event to make sure Ray is always remembered at the club." 

The organisers are still looking for raffle prizes with businesses and individuals asked to contact Alvechurch FC with any donations. 

For more information visit www.alvechurchfc.club/ or ring 0121 445 2929.