Inspire Suffolk FC, previously Ipswich Town Disabled FC, are playing a match in memory of Justin Earley, a former player who died earlier this year, on Sunday 21st September at Dellwood Avenue, the home of Felixstowe and Walton United (KO 2.30pm).

Ben Hennon, who founded Ipswich Town Disabled FC in 2003, told TWTD: “Justin was in the first handful of players that I signed for the club and was involved right up until he passed away earlier this year.

“The idea of the match is to reunite as many of Justin's former teammates from the early seasons of ITDFC to play against the current side, which has been renamed following the change from the ITFC Community Trust to Inspire Suffolk.

“JJ, who was only 28 when he died after suffering a heart attack following an infection, was born with a defective heart valve, but he never allowed this to get the better of him.

“He lived for the game of football, following Ipswich Town avidly, as well as supporting local clubs such as Needham Market.

“He signed for ITDFC back in its founding season as a fresh-faced 17-year-old lad. He was brimming with enthusiasm for the game, just waiting for the opportunity to represent the club colours with the pride and passion that he felt was deserved.

“It was thanks to players with attitudes like JJ’s that helped the club to become a success and in turn help us and many others to grow in confidence in both our personal and professional lives.

“Funds raised from the match and raffle will be split and donated to the British Heart Foundation and a benevolent fund for Justin's mum.”

Entry is £3 for adults and £1 for children under-10, with tickets available on the gate or in advance from Ben Hennon via 07701 041572 or benhennon83@gmail.com or Sam Nunn on 07808 554686.

Prizes donated for the raffle so far include a hamper of Beauty Products from SBC (Simply Beautiful Collection), two hospitality tickets worth £70 each to a league game at Crawley Town, vouchers for bowling at Bear’s Boutique in Ipswich and vouchers for bowling at Kingpin. If you would like to donate a prize, contact Ben or Sam.

You can find out more about disability football at Inspire Suffolk via their website here.

Photo: Action Images

Flewitt85 added 13:43 - Sep 4 I was very proud to play in this team (me on the right from the keeper as you look at the photo) and I knew jj from this team, he was a very good footballer and a good mate. Its great that they are doing this game in his memory, and I will be very proud to play in this game
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Flewitt85 added 13:46 - Sep 4 *Right from the one in the green shirt not the white shirt
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CM_Hunk added 13:57 - Sep 4 Justin was one of the genuinely nicest people I've ever met, he deserves a send off like this
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TotalBlue added 14:49 - Sep 4 Why isn't this being played at Portman Rd? Come on town surely you could do something for such a worthy event
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smithy91 added 15:34 - Sep 4 Justin was one of the greatest town fan/follower ive ever known! RIP true blue
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Flewitt85 added 17:05 - Sep 4 Very true totalblue, I wish it was!
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Seasider added 17:54 - Sep 4 Not very good that the mighty ITFC cannot support the disabled.
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bens_a_blue added 18:49 - Sep 4 Just reading the comments. I am the organiser of the event and would just like to clarify that ITFC are fully in support of the event. The pick of venue was my choice, due to connections both myself and Justin have with the 1st team management.
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TotalBlue added 20:04 - Sep 4 Thanks fir the update sadly i am away that weekend i wish u all the vest and sympathies ti family and friends
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Paddyblue83 added 23:52 - Sep 4 I think this is a lovely event. I was friends with justin for over 20 years We ayes football when he was very young and carried that Friendship on playing in the same pool team and enjoying night out together I know me and a lot of the guys who use to play football With justin would love to attend and will do our best to be there.
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textbackup added 05:57 - Sep 5 Met Justin when I'd just come round in Guys hospital from heart surgery. We were both 11, and he's spotted my dads ITFC polo top as he was in the waiting room. Strangely he was one of my first memories after 'coming round' I was wearing my tony Mowbray signed shorts and he kept saying I should have got Venus to sign them instead lol... Lost contact with him over the years but was genuinely gutted when I'd heard he had past away. Proper Town fan x

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cooper4england added 08:20 - Sep 5 Nice touch and tribute. Congrats to those that have organised this.
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blueboy1981 added 10:06 - Sep 7 ....... some nice tributes for obviously a very popular person. Didn't personally know him, but this seems an apt and appropriate event in his memory. Rest in Peace - True Blue.
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