Friends and family of a popular Fleet man tragically killed in a car accident will celebrate his life at a charity football match on Sunday.

The third annual Mike Ritchie Memorial Day will be held at Hartley Wintney Football Club on August 10.

This is the third such event to be held in the Liverpool fan’s memory and, so far, supporters have raised more than £5,000 to support schools in the area and worthwhile causes.

Mike Ritchie, 28, was killed in a road accident on April 9, 2006. He was a keen sportsman and devout Liverpool fan, with friends describing him as the “life and soul of the party”.

To celebrate Mike’s life, his closest friends set about organising a day of football and fun, featuring a “mates match” in the morning and a pre-season friendly between Fleet Spurs FC and Hartley Wintney FC in the afternoon.

This year, more than 40 people have signed up for the “mates match” – and the competitive club clash will now be played at a later date.

Instead, the FA Charity Shield will be shown on the big screen in the clubhouse.

Geoff Walker, a friend of Mike’s, said: “This year the mates match is looking to be the most competitive yet.

“Both sides have won a match each and will be fighting it out to lift the coveted trophy – and ultimately to not be on the wrong side of the banter in the bar afterwards!”

A small entry fee will be charged on the day, and the gates open at 10.30am.

Former Tottenham Hotspur star, David Howells, will once again take part in the match.