Alvechurch FC: Charity match in memory of lifelong fan

Former player Keith Rostill organised the charity game in tribute to Ray Lloyd who was a dedicated supporter of the club for more than 50 years. 

Ray, who died in June this year aged 88, has been described as "highly respected" amongst the local footballing community with his son Andy thanking Mr Rostill and Alvechurch FC for such a "fitting" tribute to his dad. 

The event was held at Lye Meadow (Image: Keith Rostill) Andy Lloyd, aged 52, said: "It was quite an emotional day. You see these type of things organised for famous people so it really meant a lot to me that so many people came out to show their support and love for my dad. 

"There really was no better tribute for him. It was perfect and although he was a very modest man, I think it's something he'd have loved. He would have been in tears and very overwhelmed by what Keith and the club have done for him. 

"I was a bit anxious ahead of the day but it went so well and I can't thank Keith and the club enough. It felt like a very fitting way to say goodbye to my dad." 

Ray, a former toolmaker, grew up in Birmingham but later moved to Redditch where his love affair with Alvechurch first started. 

His son Andy Lloyd said his dad would try to make it to as many games as possible both home and away and he has fond memories of his dad organising huge football matches between the neighbourhood kids on the park. 

Ray Lloyd with his wife Brenda and their son Andy (Image: Keith Rostill) Before the match, Mr Lloyd said: "Alvechurch has always been a huge part of my dad's life. I think my mum was his first love, Alvechurch came second and then there was me.

"I had such a happy childhood and remember my dad taking the neighbourhood kids down the park to play 20-a-side football. My dad was very easy to love."

The charity match saw former players and supporters go head-to-head on Sunday (September 29) at Lye Meadow. 

As well as the match, there was also bouncy castles, food, drinks, a raffle, a kids penalty shootout and the opportunity to swap your old football boots. 

The signed shirts presented to Andy Lloyd (Image: Keith Rostill) All proceeds from the ticket sales went to Dementia UK in honour of Ray's wife Brenda who died in June 2023. 

The charity match managed to raise an incredible £800 for the charity with Mr Rostill saying the day was "brilliant" and a huge success. 

He also presented Andy with a signed West Brom shirt as Ray was a fan as well as an Alvechurch FC shirt with 'Lloyd' on the back. 

Mr Rostill added that he hopes the match will become an annual event to "make sure Ray is always remembered at the club."