YOUNG footballers have raised more than £1,000 in memory of one of their players.

Jodie Willan, of Church Road, Boreham, died in April, aged just 17, from meningitis.

She was a player for Silver End under-18s girls, and they had a memorial match last week in aid of the Jodie Willan Meningitis Fund, which was set up by her family.

Braintree Town Football Club and Braintree Ladies helped arrange the day, which took place at the Iron’s stadium in Cressing Road.

The ladies team played Arsenal Ladies, then the Silver End girls took on Jodie’s former classmates from Sandon School.

Braintree Town, Arsenal and Colchester United donated signed football shirts that were raffled and helped raise £500, with the total money raised on the day topping £1,000.

Jan Walker, of Silver End under-18 girls, said: “Jodie loved her football. She played with a smile on her face and never complained about anything.

“Winning, losing, it did not matter. She simply loved playing football with her team mates at Silver End.

“I am sure she would have approved of the day and that her beloved Arsenal were there for the occasion.”

The Jodie Willan Meningitis Trust has raised nearly £4,000 so far.

Donate online at www.meningitis-trust.tributefunds.com/fund/Jodie+Willan