THE FAMILIES of two footballers who tragically lost their lives in the Shoreham Airshow disaster were on the sidelines to watch the first annual memorial match between the pair’s former schools.

Balfour Primary School hosted Patcham Junior School in a charity fixture to raise money and pay tribute to Matt Grimstone and Jacob Schilt.

Mr Grimstone’s former school, Balfour, won the bragging rights on the day as they beat Mr Schilt’s former school 5-1.

But the score on the day was irrelevant as a strong crowd braved the weather and dipped into their pockets for charity.

Mum Caroline Schilt, who was watching with husband Bob, said: “It’s lovely because it’s the local community and we’ve seen that by the way Shoreham people have reacted as well. It’s just touched everybody really.

“It’s lovely that people are finding ways to do positive things as well after such a tragedy and a heart-breaking incident.

“The event was a lovely occasion in memory of Matt and Jacob and it was just a wonderful way to remember them.

“It’s been very comforting to us.”

Among the crowd was former Albion captain Paul Rogers.

Also watching was Mr Grimstone’s father and auntie Philip and Pauline, and the proud dad praised the way the sport has united people.

He said: “It has been immense the way the football community has come together and it seems to be growing.”

The match will be hosted at Patcham next year as both schools hope to make it a big annual event in the poignant shadow of Varndean School, where both Worthing United players went.

Marcelo Staricoff, headteacher at Balfour Primary School, said: “It felt very emotional and very special and it’s the beginning of a long term link with the community and the families.

“It brings it home [that Matt and Jacob were former pupils] and that’s it – once you go through the school, be that as a teacher, student or parent, then you are part of the school family forever.”