HANLEY Swan's football team will once again be hosting a memorial match in memory of one its finest ever players.

Hanley Swan FC will host the Jon Palmer Memorial Charity Match this month, to remember and celebrate the life of Jon, who played for the side before a car crash claimed his life in October 2013- he was just 21 years old.

Graham Homes, club Chairman, said: "Hanley Swan FC have a reputation for having a strong bond and great team spirit, Jon embraced this, and even though other teams tried to lure him away, he stuck with us and enjoyed playing with his mates."

Jon, whose full name is Jonathan, of Birtsmorton, showed a talent for football from an early age and after playing for his local team Abbeymead Rovers, in Gloucester, he was invited to join the West Bromwich Albion FC Academy, at the age of nine.

He played for the Premier League club's academy until the age of 15, where he joined Gloucester City AFC U18 Youth Team.

It was for Gloucester that Jon sustained a knee injury which kept him out of the game for two years. It was upon his recovery he joined Hanley Swan FC, as it was here his family had moved.

Hanley Swan FC will match up against an Abbeymead Rovers Select IV side, which include his friends at junior level, his Gloucester City team mates and his family and friends who have asked to pull on a shirt too.

This year's event will once again be in aid of the Restoration Appeal for the Parish Church of St Faith, Berrow- where Jon is laid to rest.

As well as making donations to the appeal, there will be a raffle at the event too. Last year's match raised more than £3,000.

The game will kick off at 1pm at Hanley Swan Village Hall, but before that there will be a 'veterans' walking football match kicking off 12pm with Abbeymead Rovers Walking Football Team versus the Aston Villa Supporter Club.

There will also be family activities such as face-painting and refreshments will be on offer also.

It will go ahead on Sunday, August 23, and thanks to The Aspire Business Partnership sponsoring the match, it will go ahead for another three years.

Mike Palmer, Jon's father, said: "As a family we have been touched by the number of people who have offered to help and support the event

"Jon was the life and soul of our community and touched so many hearts, so we feel this is a fitting tribute."

For more information visit the Jon Palmer Memorial Charity Match 's Facebook page, or call 07786 437 189.