A MEMORIAL football match for a man who "always went out of his way to help out" has raised more than £1,000 for a football academy.

Torfaen Football Academy and referees from Gwent and the Welsh league held a match at Cwmbran Stadium to remember referee Jeff Anslow - who died 18 months ago aged 56.

The academy said Mr Anslow, of Torfaen, was employed by them to help out teach more than 120 children across several teams.

Mark Broom, an academy coach at Torfaen Football Academy said: "Jeff was always eager to support us in the early days by way of refereeing games and refusing to except any payment for his time. He took an active interest in our goal to provide a higher level of football for local children in Torfaen."

Mr Broom also said Mr Anslow's widow, Jane Anslow, donated the proceeds of the match - which came to £1,300 - to the academy.

He said: "Jane has always supported us and has kept on supporting us after Jeff passed away. Jeff would have wanted this as he was not only a football fan but an advocate for creating opportunities particularly for young people.

"We receive no external funding what so ever from any organisations, so to offer what we do at such a high level requires very strict financial management, which is testing most of the time.

"We have invited Jane to our end of season awards presentation, to present the Jeff Anslow Academy Player of the year award."

Mr Broom wishes to thank John Jenkins who arranged the memorial game and Jane Anslow for her donation.