A FOOTBALL match held in Blaenavon on Saturday was dedicated to a much-loved 20-year-old, whose funeral was held on Friday.

Tributes have poured in to Aaron Williams, known as Azza, since his sudden death earlier this month. His family and friends have described him as a “happy person who would make people smile with his cheeky grin”.

Mr Williams felt unwell not long after leaving his Blaenavon home in a friend’s car on February 10, and died suddenly of natural causes from an undiagnosed aortic dissection - a heart condition.

His funeral took place on Friday at St Peter’s Church before a committal at Blaenavon Cemetery, and a wake at The Pottery Pub.

The former Hillside Primary School and Abersychan Comprehensive pupil had been a keen footballer for Blaenavon Blues from under 8s to under 16s, but more recently played darts, snooker and pool for local teams.

A day after his funeral, Blaenavon Blues' match against Marshfield was dedicated to their former youth player, with a minute’s applause being held in his memory. Azza’s name has also been embroidered onto the Blues’ warm-up tops.

Matthew Browning, who is heavily involved with the Blues, said: “Azza and his family are close friends with the club so after his passing we discussed ways of being able to show our respects to them. T-shirts were our first thought but then we thought that something more permanent would be having his name put onto our warm-up tops.

“After his passing we held a minute’s silence - all teams were away. This week was our first home games since and we felt that a clap was more of a celebration of Azza's life.

“Only the firsts and seconds had fixtures but many of the third team also turned up as he was a well-loved lad.”

Blues’ first team drew 2-2 with Marshfield at the aptly-named Memorial Ground, while the seconds beat PILCS 3-2 to cap an emotional day for everyone involved.

Mr Browning added: “Under difficult circumstances it's refreshing to see the people of Blaenavon coming together and showing fantastic community spirit.

“The Blues would like to say a big thank you to Cottonfield embroidery for donating the printing of 'Azza' on 48 tops, and at short notice we cannot thank you enough.”

The club donated Saturday’s raffle money to the British Heart Foundation (BHF) who matched the takings totalling £100.

The coaches of Blaenavon under 7s will also be running the Swansea half marathon in June with the proceeds will be split between the under 7s team and the BHF. To donate visit: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/dvcH0/ab/14V4P8