Legends may play match for Rhys Jones memorial

Oct 1 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

A FOOTBALL match featuring legends of Everton FC and Liverpool FC could be held to help raise money for the Rhys Jones Memorial Fund.

Representatives from the Fund are in talks with Everton about staging the match at Goodison Park.

The proceeds from the match would go towards raising the £1.2m-plus needed to build the “The Rhys Jones Community Centre” near his home.

Last night, Dave Saville, chairman of the Croxteth Country Park Residents Association, said he was hopeful a fixture could be set up in November.

It is understood that the clubs are supportive of the idea, but want to make sure a suitable date can be found before agreeing to the proposal.

Mr Saville said: “We think that a charity legends football match with the stars of the ’80s from Everton and Liverpool would be a great way of getting people involved.”

He was hopeful of meeting Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright next week and the feedback so far had been that the club needed to ensure it would be fitted into the fixture list. “We think there’s a window in November where it could be fitted in,” he added.

He said the association was also considering having wrist bands made to help raise money for the trust.

He said it would be a fitting tribute to young Rhys, who was a huge Everton fan. Rhys’s parents, Melanie and Stephen, have urged support for the project.

Croxteth Park is the second-largest private estate in Europe, with about 3,500 homes and more than 7,000 residents, but it has very few community facilities.

Rhys died on August 22 after he was shot in the neck as he walked home from playing football. Donations will be collected by the Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services until a charitable trust is set up.

Cheques to the fund should be made payable to LCVS Rhys Jones Memorial Fund at: Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, 14 Castle Street, Liverpool, L2 0NJ. Donations can also be given over the internet through www.lcvs.org.uk or over the phone by calling 0151 243 1076.

davidbartlett