OLD PROS from both sides of the Rigdeway will be dusting off their Football boots for a match in memory of a Dorchester teenager.

Friends of Nathan Cross, who died in January following a bacterial infection at the age of just 16, at the Kingston Maurward College Football Academy have organised the big game on June 14.

Former Weymouth and Dorchester players such as Ian Matthews, Andy Harris, Alex Brown and Trevor Challis will be among the players turning out for the event, which will raise money for the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and the Special Care Baby Unit at Dorset County Hospital.

Daniel Floyd explained that the students were inspired to organise the event in memory of their friend Nathan.

He said: “Nath was a good friend to many of us on the course.

“Great Ormond Street was where Nath was treated.

“We want this event to go well because of Nath, so we want as many people from Dorchester, Weymouth and the surrounding areas to come down to enjoy the evening and make as much money as possible to show support for Nathan.”

Students Paul Lamb Foster and Scott Gill added: “We were tasked to design a sports event for our Year Two assignment.

“We thought it would be a great opportunity to raise some money for charity and to get the community involved.

“We can use this event to tell other young people about studying at the Football Academy.”

Nathan’s dad Kevin Cross said he had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the response from the community since Nathan’s death, which has already seen around £3,500 raised in the youngster’s memory.

He said: “I’m just overwhelmed by the community spirit.”

Mr Cross added that he was pleased to see a local cause, the Special Care Baby Unit at Dorset County Hospital, was benefiting from the event.

A raffle will be held on the night with prizes including gym memberships, sports massage and personal training sessions, vouchers and wine all donated by local businesses and students.

There will also be refreshments including a fully licensed bar, burgers and hot dogs.

Tutor Sharon Cornick said: “I am very proud of the Football National Diploma students, they have come up with a great event and are working extremely hard to organise it.

“They have shown great professionalism and are an asset to the college.

“A huge thank you to the players that have offered to play, main sponsor Dixon Scaffolding and all the business who have donated prizes.”

The gates open at Kingston Maurward College at 6pm with kick off at 7pm.

Tickets cost £2 and can be bought from the Football Academy students or can be reserved by emailing sharon.cornick@kmc.ac.uk Visitors to the college can also buy tickets at the main house reception.