The Reading rugby community will be coming together this weekend to play a charity match in memory of Olly Stephens, the teenager whose murder shocked the UK in January 2021.
Now in its third year, the annual Olly Stephens Memorial Cup will be played between Reading Rugby Club and Reading Abbey RFC in honour of the 13-year-old, who was fatally stabbed at Bugs Bottom in Emmer Green.
As well as enjoying a rugby match between two teams that meant a lot to Olly, spectators will also be supporting three local charities chosen by his family: No. 5, The Ben Kinsella Trust and Parenting Special Children.
Olly’s mother, Amanda Stephens, said: “We have chosen charities who lead from the heart to help our young people develop brighter, happier futures. I hope that the memorial cup day continues to benefit the next generation in every possible way.”
No.5 provides mental health support to young people, the Ben Kinsella Trust is a charity that tackles knife crime, and Parenting Special Children gives specialist support to Berkshire families with children and young people with special educational needs.
President of Reading RFC, Yasmin Miller said: “Giving children an accessible sporting space can mean so much to keep them safe and happy. I’m proud that we as a club continue to offer this and have the opportunity to share this message through the Olly Stephens Memorial Cup.”
Under 14 boys’ coach at Reading Abbey RFC, Ken Davies, said: “We are looking forward to returning on this special day, a big reminder that we are all part of multiple communities and when they all come together – even in the worst circumstances – they can do more good than on their own.”
Councillor Karen Rowland is Reading Borough Council’s lead member for environmental services and community safety, and will also be in attendance at the event.
“I’m delighted to be able to support this event and, more widely, Olly’s family’s ongoing to work to reduce social media bullying and knife crime,” she said. “We need our youth to understand that choosing to pick up a knife is never the answer.”
Kick off will be at 11am on Sunday 14 April at Reading Rugby Club, in Holme Park, Sonning Lane.
Those planning to attend are advised to double check travel plans, due to the Reading Half Marathon taking place on the same day.
