A memorial match for two young footballers from the same club who died in separate road accidents less than a year apart is being held to celebrate their lives.

Reece Van Sertima and Charles Bolt both played for Maidstone United’s disability team.

Charles, who was 20, was driving along the A249 between Sittingbourne and Maidstone on June 12 last year when his silver Ford Fiesta crashed, leaving him with fatal injuries.

Just eight months before, on October 8, 2022, Reece, who was also 20, was killed when he was hit by a lorry on the A228, between Malling Road and Rocfort Road in Snodland.

The tragedies devastated both families as well as Maidstone Raiders FC, who both men had played for since they were children.

Lorraine Humm, who is head of disability football at the club, said: “Both lads were only 20 years old when they were tragically taken far too early.

“So we’ve organised this match for both families to celebrate their lives and to show our support to their family, friends and teammates.”

The match will take place at the Gallagher Stadium in James Whatman Way, Maidstone, tomorrow (Saturday, April 13).

There will be a raffle and auction on the day in the Spitfire Lounge and all money raised will go towards a 20th anniversary celebration for the disability team.

The mayor of Maidstone is due to be in attendance to present the Raiders team with a certificate for providing disability football in Maidstone and Kent and being the biggest disability club in the county.

Kick-off will be at 2pm but people are being asked to arrive at 1pm.

The club’s burger hut will be open for food and drinks, as will the Spitfire Lounge. The presentation to the players, the auction and the raffle will be after the game.

A charity match in memory of Reece, who had started to take his fitness and coaching badges with the club, was held last April.

A Raiders side took on a team made up of Reece's family, friends and staff from their local pub, The Old Rectory in Leybourne.

The match ended up being the last time Charlie played for the club before the accident in June.

Lorraine added: “When we lose a Raider, it's like losing a family member as players come and generally play for us all their whole football careers and their families become ours.

“We make sure they know their memories will live on at the club and in our hearts on our memorial brick wall like Alfie, Ben, Lynda, Reece, and now Charles.”