BROMSGROVE Sporting raised more than £1,000 for charity after hosting a match in memory of former player Tom Rankin.
Rankin, who played for Redditch United at the time of his death, tragically died in March 2022.
The memorial game raised over £1,000 for the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
A ‘Tom Rankin XI’ took on a Loughnorough University XI as the latter side claimed an 8-3 victory at the Victoria Ground.
The Tom Rankin XI featured Tom’s dad Bob and Redditch United chairman David Faulkner.
The side also included current Sporting vice-captain Aaron Roberts along with a host of former Rouslers.
This included Josh Quaynor, Jono Brown, Reece Francis, Jack Wilson, Jak Hickman and Tom Massey.
Rankin wore the captain’s armband at Redditch and prior to his move to the Reds and also played for Sporting and Loughborough University.
Rankin’s former teammate Roberts said: “A massive thank you to those who turned out, on and off the pitch, for Tom’s memorial game.
“It was nice to finally host the game at Tom’s home ground, where he came through our youth system and started making his way in the game.
“Although he was with us for too short a period, I think his family and friends find a lot of comfort in knowing the legacy he has created and how he is remembered, daily, within life and football.
“That said, the message of the event will always remain the same – please speak up and out to those who love and need you.
“Too many people are lost without an explanation and we can all do more to help raise awareness.
“A special mention to Bob Rankin – I know the annual event means so much to him and I thought he had a great game yesterday on the field also.”
