A football match was held in memory of two young men who were killed in the Shoreham Airshow disaster.
Jacob Schilt was on his way to play football for Worthing United with team mate Matt Grimstone when a vintage aircraft, flown by Andrew Hill, crash-landed on the A27 while performing a stunt.
The jet came out of a loop-the-loop manoeuvre too low and smashed into cars along the packed main road, erupting into a deadly fireball.
The tragedy happened on August 22, 2015. An inquest in 2022 concluded that the victims of the disaster were unlawfully killed, however Mr Hill was cleared of manslaughter in 2019.
Senior coroner Penelope Schofield said in her conclusion that Mr Hill’s flying was “exceptionally bad” and that the failed manoeuvre that led to the crash was “not a small misjudgement”.
Matt and Jacob, both 23, were two of 11 men who lost their lives that day.
Every year, players take part in a charity football match for the Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt Cup in aid of the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation.
Matt was a groundsman at the football club and Jacob was a firm supporter of the Seagulls.
This year, Worthing United played Mile Oak before friends and family took part in another match.
Friends and loved ones held a minute of silence before kicking off the day of football at Culver Road in Lancing.
Other fundraising efforts included a raffle, a cake sale and a silent auction.
A total of £2,398 was raised from the day and will go directly towards the BHAFC Foundation’s work across Sussex.
Albion legend Guy Butters attended the game on behalf of the foundation and handed out the winners’ trophies at the end.
Matt Dorn, BHAFC Foundation CEO, said it was heartening to see such great support for the charity.
“We’re so grateful that this match is organised every year, and we’re pleased that we can play our part in remembering Jacob and Matt,” he said.
“People have given generously once again, donating funds which will be used to change lives all over Sussex.”
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