THE FRIENDS and family of an inspirational Sunday League football manager who died of cancer earlier this year have said hosting an annual cricket match in his memory is ‘the perfect way’ to continue his legacy.
Two Sunday Football League sides in Malvern will swap their boots for pads and bats a week on Sunday (July 10) in memory of Vaughn Albone with the winning trophy named in his honour.
The Gloster Arms and Malvern Radar FC will play the T20 cricket match at Barnards Green Cricket Club with all proceeds going to St Richard’s Hospice who cared for Vaughn and his family during his illness.
Vaughn, who managed the town’s The Gloster Arms side, died at the age of 63 and raised more than £30,000 during his lifetime for charities including Cancer Research UK, Acorn’s Children’s Hospice, Children’s Chronic Arthritis Association and St Richard’s Hospice.
Phil Smalley, one of the organisers for the event, said: “Vaughn did a lot of fund-raising while he was alive and was heavily involved in local football.
“We wanted to do something so we could remember him each year and raise money for St Richard’s Hospice.
“Having an annual cricket match is the perfect way to keep his memory alive as he was such a nice gentleman.
“It will give the chance for people to share their memories of Vaughn and to continue his great work for the hospice.”
Vaughn’s widow Christine expressed her delight over the gesture to have a cricket match and told the Observer he was a man who put everybody else first before himself.
“Vaughn was an incredible man and I miss him so much,” she said.
“One of the funniest messages he sent was to Joseph Endacott who founded the Gloster Arms. He told him ‘Joe, I can’t be there today as I’ve had a heart attack but I will see you next week’.
“Vaughn was a real battler throughout his illness but unfortunately it all took over. I hope the weather stays dry for what will be a memorable day.”
The Gloster Arms football team was launched in 2014 and was named after the pub on Merton Road.
Vaughn was instilled as the club’s first manager after founder and close friend Joseph offered him the role.
Joseph first knew Vaughn from playing skittles and said the cricket match will mean a lot to everybody involved.
He said: “Vaughn was the reason the football club was set up.
“He was a brilliant man and made people turn up to games which is the hardest thing to do in Sunday football.
“People will always remember Vaughn but the cricket match will be a nice little reminder of him and will bring all of his friends and family together to have a good day out.”
The time of the match was still to be announced at the time The Malvern Observer went to press. For more details see next week’s edition.
