REMF second leg set for end of the month

The 20th annual Robert Eaton Memorial Fund (REMF) Challenge Match between Brighton & Hove Albion Supporters and Crystal Palace Supporters will be played on Friday 27 May at the Sussex FA's ground at Culver Road in Lancing.

For the first time, the challenge match is being staged over two legs.

The first leg was at the Croydon Sports Arena last month, with the match finishing 1-1. It means everything is to play for when the teams meet again in the second leg, kick-off 7.45pm.

Robert Eaton was a Brighton fan who died in the 9/11 attacks in New York in 2001. When news of his death reached home, fellow supporters formed a charity in his name to raise funds for children’s and youth sports clubs to purchase sports kits and equipment.

A charity football match was suggested, and Crystal Palace fans offered to be the opposition for the first fixture which took place at Old Barn Way, Southwick in November 2001.

Since then, the fixture has taken on a life of its own, and is now a regular part of the football calendar. The keenly-contested match has been played at Withdean, Southwick, Lewes, Worthing and - for one year only - at the American Express Community Stadium.

In that time, the charity has raised - through the football match, quiz nights, golf days, and more besides - almost £300,000 which it has donated to children’s sports projects at home and abroad.

Projects in the UK as well as places including the USA, Kenya, Zambia, Cambodia, Australia and elsewhere have ensured a global reach, and REMF is always on the look out for other causes to donate to.

For those who have never visited, Culver Road is a four-minute walk north of Lancing railway station.

Entrance is £5 for adults, and Under 16s are £2 (although are free if accompanied by an adult). Pay on the gate is available by cash or card.