Memorial tournament in Steyning to raise money for Foundation
A football tournament in memory of an Albion fan will be raising funds for the BHAFC Foundation.
The tournament, in memory of Ollie Rolfe, will be held at Steyning Football Club on 31 May.
There will be plenty to enjoy beyond the football: a bouncy castle, food and drinks vendors, and an auction selling football memorabilia will all be available.
The tournament will be raising money for the BHAFC Foundation as well as two other charities – The OLLIE Foundation and Baton of Hope.
This is the third annual tournament in memory of Ollie Rolfe, who passed away four years ago at the age of 21.
Ollie started playing with the Foundation – then Albion in the Community – when he was eight years old.
He would go to BHAFC Soccer Schools at Thomas A Becket school in Worthing, and he continued at those sessions for years.
“Football was a big part of his life,” his dad Neil said, “and that’s why we wanted to donate these funds to the BHAFC Foundation.”
Ollie never stopped playing football; after playing with the Foundation he joined Steyning FC Under-16s and Under-18s, and continued playing Sunday league and six-a-side when he was an adult.
A big supporter of the Albion, Ollie has his name engraved in a memorial brick at the Amex Stadium.
“Ollie was a big Brighton fan and the Foundation is such a positive charity, so we’re glad to help,” Neil said.
After he passed, Ollie’s parents wanted to do something in his memory to support charities close to their hearts.
“A few years ago we talked about how we can raise money in his memory, and a football game was the obvious thing to do,” his mum Alexandra explained.
This is the third tournament the family has organised, and they have already raised around £16,000 for charity.
“All of the teams involved in this tournament are associated with either Ollie or his dad Neil,” she said,” There are teams he used to play for, neighbours’ teams, friends’ teams.
“It’s all very personal to us. It’s lovely, a nice day of memories about him.
“Our day is a real family day,” she said, “The parents and siblings come too, they enjoy the day, and the Foundation is a charity they can all understand and get behind.”
Lauren Ellis, Fundraising Manager at the BHAFC Foundation, expressed her gratitude at being chosen as one of the tournament’s beneficiaries.
“We’re so pleased that Neil and Alexandra decided to raise funds for us at this tournament. It will really go a long way in helping us support local people to access football, so we can’t thank them enough.
“We know that the Albion was a big part of Ollie’s life, so it’s fantastic that we can be involved in this tournament in his memory.”