The annual Kevin Beattie Foundation Cup match takes place on the Gwinnell and Sons Royal Oak on Saturday (July 11), kick-off 3pm.
The game, between Harwich and Parkeston and local rivals Clacton Town, will raise money for the charitable foundation which was created to commemorate arguably the Shrimpers’ most famous ever player.
Former England international and Ipswich Town star Beattie played 50 times for HPFC during the 1980s, scoring 28 goals. He also played for Clacton after being forced to retire from the professional game due to a knee injury.
Sadly, Kevin died in 2018 but shortly afterwards the foundation, which raises money for a host of causes, was formed.
Gate receipts from Saturday’s game (£5 for adults and £3 for concessions) will be donated to the charity.
There will be a special commemorative matchday programme, kindly produced by Entrac Printing, which will be available to purchase for just 50p. It includes a look back at Kevin’s playing days at the Oak.
There will also be a raffle, to be drawn on the day, with tickets on sale before kick-off for 50p each. A host of prizes will be on offer, including a £100 voucher for Slater’s Menswear.

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Malcolm Thompson, of the KBF, said: “It promises to be a very special occasion as we remember and celebrate the life of the late Kevin Beattie, widely regarded as Ipswich Town's greatest-ever player, who also had a close association with both Harwich & Parkeston FC and Clacton Town FC.”
The match has been staged annually in pre-season since 2021. Clacton have won it three times and Harwich – the current holders of the trophy - twice.
Clacton currently play in the Eastern Counties League’s Division One North, a level below the Shrimpers. They are managed by former HPFC boss Kieron Shelley.
The game forms part of a busy day the Royal Oak.
In the evening, the Social Club will be staying open late so fans can enjoy the World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway, both on the big screen inside and the new beer-garden TV. Kick-off is at 10pm.
Prior to that, musician and singer Dan Turner will be performing from 7-9pm.
Drinks deals will be available throughout the day.