FAMILY and friends of a non-league football hero have banded together to stage a match at the County Ground for the charity created in his honour.

The Dave Turner Memorial Fund was established after the former player and manager died in February 2014, with its aim to support disabled children in football.

Dave, who managed Shrivenham, Wootton Bassett (CORR) and Pewsey Vale before he suffered a heart attack at the age of 52, enjoyed coaching children during his time in football.

This match has been organised by Dave’s son James, with the help of his other son Alex, as well as former charge Sam Collier.

On May 17, at 3pm, 30 to 40 of the thousands of footballers Dave has worked with will take to Swindon Town’s pitch and remember the man who supported them so passionately.

Sam said: “It was James that instigated it. He’s done all the work towards it. This is something he wanted to do as an opportunity to raise some money for the charity Dave set up.

“He was a massive Swindon Town fan and he would have been honoured to be part of something there.

“There’s no better way to remember him than have a game of football.”

Dave’s influence on football in and around Swindon extended as far as an under-seven side he coached at Wroughton many moons ago, some of whom will play later this month.

Such is the depth of the pool of players Dave worked with, there have already been a number of players turned away with two full squads already assembled.

“It’s not easy and obviously so many people want to play and be part of it," said Sam. "There are a lot of disappointed people because there are so many clubs and people.

“The support with the Twitter page has been really good. It’s disappointing we can’t get everyone to play.

“Some of those people don’t even play football anymore, like Alex, who doesn’t play himself.”

All players will pay £10 for the chance to play, and with other donations coming in on the day from spectators, it is hoped a large amount of money will go to the memorial fund.

The winner of the two teams, managed by Dave’s former assistant Alan Blake and current Wroughton chairman Kevin Cook, will be presented with a trophy by Dave’s widow and mother.

The ground will be opened up to the public from 2pm on the day, with a raffle also arranged for the day and Sam is keen to round up as many supporters as possible to remember the influential non-league figure.

For more information, visit DT Charity Match’s Twitter account or www.wbtfc.co.uk.