Record breaker hope over charity crowd

A charity football match arranged by a Staffordshire football club in memory of one of its most promising young players who died of meningitis may be set to smash an attendance record.

More than 600 tickets have been sold since going on sale last Thursday for the game in memory of Liam Keeling of Cheslyn Hay, who died in October, aged 13. Liam played for Wyrley Juniors FC who have organised the match.

They are to play Walsall FC Old Boys XI at Great Wyrley Football Club, Hazel Lane, on January 31 at 2pm.

Organisers hope to sell about 1,000 tickets to smash the ground crowd record.

Liam played for Wyrley Juniors Under 13's Panthers. His father, Andy, was joint manager of the team.

Liam's are raising funds for meningitis research.

Wyrely Juniors FC, a feeder club for Walsall FC, have organised the match between their first team and the Walsall legends.

Keith Hardy, Wyrley club chairman, urged people to snap up remaining tickets which he said was for an excellent cause.

He said: "Liam's death hit the club hard and we are doing all that we can to support Andy and Georgina Keeling and their daughter Hannah in raising funds for this very worthy cause.

"We are looking to break the ground crowd record and aim to have around 1,000 spectators at the game. It should be a fantastic event which will be in memory of Liam and which also aims to raise money for such an excellent cause."

Tickets are £4 for adults and £2 for children and concessions. There will be an auction and raffle in the clubhouse afterwards.

Swifty, the Walsall Football Club mascot, will be at the game, with Liam's team acting as ball boys.

Tickets for the game can be bought by ringing Keith on 07836 202764.