Matt and Jacob memorial game raises over £3k on 10th anniversary
A charity game in memory of Jacob Schilt and Matt Grimstone has raised more than £3,000.
A memorial game – the Grimstone & Schilt Cup – takes place every year in honour of Matt and Jacob. This year’s edition raised over £3,000 thanks to donations, a raffle, cake sales, and a blind auction.
The game is contested between local clubs Mile Oak and Worthing United, the team that Jacob and Matt played for. This year, Worthing United ended up as 3-0 winners.
All funds raised from the game will go towards supporting the life-changing community work of the BHAFC Foundation.
This year’s game marks the 10th anniversary of their passing. Matt and Jacob were both aged 23 in 2015 when they lost their lives in the Shoreham Air Disaster on their way to play for Worthing United.
The pair had close ties to the Albion, and Matt worked for the club. They received a heartfelt tribute from fans at the Amex Stadium, and shirts bearing their names still hang on the walls of the North Stand concourse.
Friends and loved ones held a minute of silence before kicking off a day of football at Sussex County Football Association headquarters in Lancing on Sunday (July 27).
“We’ve had very good support today, an amazing number in the crowd and a lot of raffle tickets sold. The football’s been fantastic as well,” said Caroline Schilt.
“We were hoping that this year would be a really very special year. It seems like ten years have gone very quickly but also slowly in a way. 10 years is a big milestone and we’re so pleased to have all this support.
“The fact that Worthing United are really keeping their memory alive is amazing, especially with their kit which commemorates the 10th anniversary.
“We chose to support the Foundation because it helps people to enjoy the sport that Jacob and Matt loved themselves, it seems very fitting. Brighton & Hove Albion have given us so much support over the years.”
The day also saw a game between the two sides girls youth teams, before a family and friends fixture kicked off in the afternoon.
Albion legend Guy Butters attended the game on behalf of the Foundation and handed out the winners’ trophies at the end of the game.
Matt Dorn, BHAFC Foundation CEO, was pleased to see such an amazing figure raised.
“We’re always so grateful for the support we receive at this special fixture every year,” he said.
“Both Matt and Jacob hold a special place in Albion hearts and we’re really grateful that their friends and family choose to support us.”
To find out how you can support the charity click here: https://bhafcfoundation.org.uk/support-us/
