Cheltenham Town's Development Centre is hosting a memorial match to honour Louis Holtz, a talented young footballer who died earlier this year. The match, which will take place on Sunday at Bishop's Cleeve FC's Kayte Lane, will see a Cheltenham Town Select XI face Prestbury Phantoms Under-18s. Louis joined Cheltenham Town's Development Centre during the 2023/24 season and also played for Prestbury Phantoms and Whaddon United Youth. He is remembered by coaches and teammates as a talented footballer, a loyal friend, and a young man whose infectious smile left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. James Duckworth, Hereford Development Centre manager and YDP lead, said the occasion would be centred on celebrating Louis' life and ensuring his legacy lives on. The idea for the memorial fixture was shared with Tristan Undy from Louis' grassroots club, Prestbury Phantoms, with both clubs working together to create an event backed by Louis' family. All proceeds raised from the event will be split between children's bereavement charity Winston's Wish and Sunflowers Suicide Support Gloucestershire. The memorial match follows an emotional year for the squad, who paid tribute to Louis throughout the season. In February, Cheltenham Town held a minute's silence in his honour across Academy and Development Centre fixtures, while players and staff joined family and friends at his funeral service in Cheltenham. The squad has shown remarkable resilience and unity in the face of adversity, with Duckworth praising their strength and togetherness. The match will be a celebration of Louis' life, with plenty of rolling substitutions to ensure everyone gets game time and the chance to pay tribute to him. Louis' family, including his parents Aska, Steve, and Pascal, will be in attendance, and the event is expected to raise important funds for charity.
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Cheltenham Town to Host Memorial Match for Louis Holtz
Cheltenham Town to hold memorial match for Louis Holtz, raising funds for Winston's Wish and Sunflowers Suicide Support Gloucestershire
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