Luca Skivington remembered with Memorial Football Match on August 6

A memorial football match will take place on Sunday August 6 at Burnham FC in honour of former youth player Luca Skivington, who passed away in a car crash in 2019 at the age of 17.

A get-together of close friends and family has taken place each year on the day of his passing, August 6, but this is the first time that the newly-formed Maidenhead Rangers have organised a memorial match.

Luca, a resident of Cookham where he lived with his mum Michele, brother Marco and dad Glenn – who co-owns Burnham FC – was a talented footballer with a promising career ahead of him.

Good friend and fellow footballer Elliott Jack, vice chairman of Maidenhead Rangers FC, a Sunday league team, said that a memorial match is a fitting tribute to the much-loved young man.

“Luca loved football and was really good at it,” he said.

“We all grew up playing football together and as we got older a close group formed and we did everything together.

“We always saw it that if he was here with us now, Luca would be a core part of the Rangers. So, it only felt right that we use this platform as a football club to hold a memorial.

“And we just want to show the family how much he meant to us.”

The Luca Skivington Memorial Match will see the Maidenhead Rangers play ‘Luca’s 11’, a team made-up of Luca’s friends, some of whom are travelling back to the area especially for the event.

Taking place at Burnham FC’s ground The Gore, where Luca played in the U18s team, the day will raise funds for Centrepoint, a charity chosen by the family.

Food and refreshments will be available and members of the public are invited to go along from 1pm to watch the match and contribute to the fundraising.

A number of Cookham-based businesses have backed the day by providing raffle prizes such as meals at pubs and restaurants, bouquets of flowers and a treatment at a hairdresser’s.

“Luca was a Cookham boy born and bred and it’s great that everyone is getting behind the event,” said Elliott.

“We would like a few more prizes if companies are willing.”

The day will be one of remembrance and celebration of everything Luca loved – friends, family and football and although there will be some sadness it will be positive as well, added Elliott.

“As it’s gone over the last few years it has its emotional parts but good vibes as well. Good vibes is what Luca would have wanted.”

A Just Giving page for Centrepoint was set-up shortly after Luca’s passing and people can still contribute at: justgiving.com

/fundraising/luca-skivington

Over £12,000 has been raised so far.