AN AFTERNOON of football in memory of a well-known sporting figure in Maldon raised more than £2,000 for charity.

Maldon Saints Youth Football Club ran a charity five-a-side tournament at Promenade Park in Maldon in honour of Mike Dodd.

Mr Dodd, who was vice-chairman of the club, died in January, aged 54, after a battle with cancer.

The event, organised by James Cole, took place on Saturday and was held to raise money for Farleigh Hospice in Mr Dodd’s memory.

More than 200 people attended the matches, including Mr Dodd’s wife Sue and sons Jack and Ben.

In total, 13 men’s and two women’s teams played from 1pm to 6pm.

Mrs Dodd said: “It was amazing atmosphere.

“We had people dancing and laughing, people were making food for free, it was nice.

“Hopefully, we should be able to do it every year.

“My husband was diagnosed in June or July and Farleigh Hospice were so good.

“They came around to the house and helped out.”

Mr Dodd’s son, who trained with the youth team before moving on to play for Maldon-based Aflex United, also played with his team on the day.

Mrs Dodd added: “He got a lot of his friends together for the event.

“I think the boys are doing a calendar next. James Cole, he’s a lovely lad, he organised it all.

“James’ dad runs the club and he said it felt strange to not have Mike behind the bar with him.

“I’m so proud of everybody who came down.”

A spokesperson said the total amount raised is still being calculated but it is already projected to be more than £2,000.

The event was sponsored by businesses such as RBS, Morrisons and Wickes as well as businesses in the area such as SARK meze grill, El Guaca, Blue Boar and others.

There have also been talks of a bank sponsoring the event doubling the contributions made on the day.

Last year, the club ran an event like this for the first time in aid of prostate cancer research, which raised more than £1,300.