A football fun day event is being held in memory of Dave Sexton...
A football fun day in aid of The Alzheimer’s Society is being held at Talisman shopping centre in Kenilworth on Saturday (April 6) to celebrate the life of former Coventry City manager Dave Sexton.
Sexton lived in Kenilworth for more than 30 years until his death in November and would be celebrating his 83rd birthday on Saturday.
In 2008 Talisman developers, Discovery Properties, named one of the buildings within the square Sexton House to celebrate Dave’s achievements and close links with Kenilworth.
As part of the football fun day a football freestyler will be holding sessions at 10am, 11.30am and 1pm on Saturday, with children also encouraged to have a go at showing off their skills.
Hugo Hawkings, chief executive of Discovery Properties, said Talisman was keen to hold an event to celebrate Sexton’s life.
“Dave was a massively admired figure of British football and was well known by lots of people in the area,” he said.
“It was a sad day for everyone who knew Dave when he passed away last year. I was fortunate enough to meet Dave when he agreed for us to name Sexton House in his honour.
“We have been keen to hold a fun event based around football in the centre – and to do it on Dave’s birthday in his memory made sense.
“Dave was a real family man and I hope families really enjoy getting involved in the football fun we’ve organised. It should make for a really good day.”
Dave’s son Chris Sexton said the family is touched that an event is being held in his father’s name.
Chris said: “I know Dad was thrilled that Hugo of Discovery Properties and Chris of Cobalt Estates named Sexton House after him, and it’s very touching that they are now holding this event in his honour, and fitting that the event is based around people enjoying playing football.
“Since Dad’s death we have found the response from friends, colleagues and football fans truly heartening.
“Over a period of eight years or more, the person we knew and loved was gradually taken away from us due to dementia.
“We welcome the event’s support of The Alzheimer’s Society – they do an excellent job raising awareness of dementia, supporting communities and researching its care, cure and prevention.”
Three 15 minute shows, followed by 30 minute have a go ball skills sessions will take place at 10am, 11.30am and also 1pm.
Volunteers from The Alzheimer’s Society will also be manning an awareness stand during the day.