FRIENDS of a Malvern teenager who passed away in a car crash have organised a football match to help pay for his funeral.

Liam Ball, aged 17, from Malvern, died in a crash in Walsall, near Birmingham, on August 2.

Two of his friends, Callum Fisher, and Lucy Adams, have now set up a game to raise money for his family.

Mr Fisher, who has been friends with Liam since they were toddlers, said: "He loved football.

"He used to play for Malvern Town Wanderers, I played for Newtown Sports Colts. There was always a rivalry between the two teams.

"The first thought that came into my head was to set up a match and get people down to support the cause.

"I decided we would do Malvern against the Newtown lads.

"People will go around with money pots at the match, raising money for the funeral.

"We are hoping to have a minute's silence at the start of the game and let off balloons."

Mr Fisher, who is doing a plumbing course at Heart of Worcestershire College, has already raised more than £2,000 for Liam's family through an online crowdfunding page.

The 17-year-old, of Leigh Sinton Road, Malvern, added that he had also bought customised t-shirts, in memory of Liam, for the players to wear.

Miss Adams, a 17-year-old hairdresser, of Ilkley Close, Worcester, said: "No one plans on losing someone close to you at this age. It all happened so quickly.

"We have organised the match because the game is the one he always enjoyed playing.

"All of his friends will be attending, more than 100 people have signed up to go on Facebook."

Miss Adams said Liam was passionate about football and supported Aston Villa.

Liam worked at Camo Worcester barbershop until June.

The game is due to kick off at 2pm at Malvern Town Football Club, in Langland Avenue, on September 9.

A 16-year-old boy pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, after the Walsall crash.

To donate to Liam's family visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/callum-fisher-1