TWO teams will go head-to-head in memory of a talented young footballer on Saturday.

A memorial match will be held to honour eightyear- old Harry Ingram, who died following open heart surgery in 2011.

The brave youngster was born with a severely deformed heart and given little chance of survival, but he pulled through and survived five operations.

His friends and family come together every year to hold the match in his memory.

The event, now in its fourth year, will see Harry’s team Island Boys face Rayleigh Boys kick off a fun day in aid of Ronald McDonald House charities.

DerrickMarr, one of the organisers and manager of the Rayleigh Boys, has been involved since the beginning and remembers Harry scoring against his team.

Harry was described as a hero and inspiration and one of the best young footballers his coach had ever seen.

He said: “It is fantastic. I have got four children and one of them played in the same league as Harry.

This keeps the memory there for Harry’s mum and I am glad to be part of that and to help.

“It is for a very good cause. I had never heard of the charity before until I was introduced by Harry’s family.”

The day will officially be opened by Harry’s mum Kelly Staples at 10am and a balloon launch and minute of applause will be held before the match at 10.30am.

An adults’ five-a-side football tournanment will also be held and there will be performances from martial arts and majorettes teams as well as stalls, DJs and a barbecue.

There will also be a raffle with prizes including a gas barbecue, a Liverpool United stadium tour, Southend United tickets and many more.

All proceeds will go towards the charity, which improves the health and wellbeing of children across the world and supported Harry and his mum.

The fun day, which runs until 4pm, is at Smallgains Hall, in Creek Road, Canvey.