Footballers from Stowmarket and Needham Market are coming together in memory of a respected grassroots player and manager this weekend.

David Parsons was a friend to all. He was popular and well-known in both Needham Market, where he grew up, and Stowmarket where he lived with his wife, Peggy, and children, Joff, Amie, Rebecca and Sarah.

To his friends, David was known as ‘Scatty’, an affectionate nickname from childhood which came from his being an energetic toddler which followed him into adulthood.

Throughout his life, David was heavily involved with local football, firstly playing and then taking on the role of ‘A’ team manager at Needham Market between the years of 1999 and 2007, with his side being successful in winning the Primary Cup in 2005.

He also contributed to the success of Stowmarket Pickerel in the early 2000’s including when they were victorious in winning the Suffolk Sunday Shield in 2003.

East Anglian Daily Times: David (pictured on the left in the white polo shirt) contributed to the success of Stowmarket Pickerel in the early 2000’s including when they were victorious in winning the Suffolk Sunday Shield in 2003. Image: Nik TaylorDavid (pictured on the left in the white polo shirt) contributed to the success of Stowmarket Pickerel in the early 2000’s including when they were victorious in winning the Suffolk Sunday Shield in 2003. Image: Nik Taylor (Image: Nik Taylor)East Anglian Daily Times: David took on the role of ‘A’ team manager at Needham Market between the years of 1999 and 2007, with his side being successful in winning the Primary Cup in 2005. Pictured on the back row, second right. Image: Nik TaylorDavid took on the role of ‘A’ team manager at Needham Market between the years of 1999 and 2007, with his side being successful in winning the Primary Cup in 2005. Pictured on the back row, second right. Image: Nik Taylor (Image: Nik Taylor)East Anglian Daily Times: David died earlier this year, on February 25 at the age of 63. Image: Nik TaylorDavid died earlier this year, on February 25 at the age of 63. Image: Nik Taylor (Image: Nik Taylor)

David died earlier this year, on February 25 at the age of 63.

In his memory, a football match is being played this weekend at the home of Needham Market Football Club to honour the memory of David Parsons from Stowmarket.

Former players of both teams, many of whom are now in their 40s and 50s, have arranged for the memorial match to be held at Bloomfields, Needham Market on Saturday, June 8, with kick-off at 3pm.

Drinks and a barbeque will be available following the presentation of a trophy donated by Paul Zarkos of Zarkeys in Stowmarket.

This will be presented to the winners by David’s father, Alan, who still resides in Needham Market.

All money raised will be donated to David’s two favourite charities, Help for Heroes and The Dogs Trust.

David’s family together with the ex-players would like to welcome as many people as possible to attend the match, to remember him and join in the fun.