FAMILY and friends are marking the tenth anniversary of a talented footballer’s death with a memorial match.

Ross Crouch, of School Lane, Lawford was an ex Colchester United apprentice who died on May 19, 2008 on his way home after travelling to Bratislava with Brantham Colts to celebrate their successful football season. He was killed in a crash.

To honour Ross’s love of the game, his family has organised a match in his memory on Saturday, May 19 at Brantham Leisure Centre.

His younger brother, Jono, said: “We are getting a lot of old friends and football friends of Ross’s to get together and doing a fundraiser.

“His death wasn’t down to ill health so we chose charities that are close to the family as a whole - Bloodwise and Young Lives vs Cancer.”

Bloodwise is a charity that supports patients suffering from all types of blood cancer and Young Lives vs Cancer is the new branding for Clic Sargent - the UKs leading cancer charity for children and their families.

After leaving Colchester United, Ross was a central defender and club captain at Stanway Rovers Football Club and also played for Brantham Colts.

Despite it being ten years since his death, his family still find life without him difficult.

Jono added: “It’s got harder. It happened just before my 21st birthday.

“I’m now married and have two children and it’s not a part of my life I can share with him.

“I feel he is looking over me but they will never meet him.

“It’s weddings and birthdays - his friends are my friends so it all brings it back. The further you go on the less chance you see people and you lose touch with people who are linked to the situation.

“Ross was a real character so we chat about things he did a lot - we are always thinking of him.”

The match kicks off at 10.30am

Entry is £5 for adults and under 16s go free - tickets include a programme and a strip of raffle tickets.