Former team-mates continue to honour the memory of football fanatic Col Smith.
The Macclesfield Parish manager died of cancer in 2020, aged 52.
Col Smith
Ever since, two teams he played for – Parish and St Peter’s which are part of the same club – have staged an annual charity match as a tribute.
The latest encounter at St George’s Park, Windmill Street, raised £278 for East Cheshire Hospice where Col spent his final days.
A close game ended in a 2-1 victory for St Peter’s which meant they retained the Col Smith Memorial Trophy.
Players from Macclesfield Parish and St Peter’s at this year’s memorial game.
Col, of Higher Hurdsfield, was ill for 10 years but stayed involved with club which plays in the South Manchester and Cheshire Christian Football League.
He combined a passion for football with his deep love of the Christian faith and was a member of Bollington Life Church.
Parish manager David Mayers said: “We continue to stage the match in honour of our friend and former player and manager. St Peter’s lead the series 2-1 after a draw the first year.
“We don’t have to push the players to take part. They want to be part of it because a lot of them have friends or relatives who’ve been cared for by the Hospice.
“It’s a big part of many people’s lives in Macclesfield and we’re delighted to raise funds for such a good cause.”
