Testimonial match to be played between two former sides of murdered 15-year-old

The two former sides of a murdered 15-year-old will play a fundraiser match next month in his honour.

Churt U16 Vipers and the Mytchett Athletic U16 Kestrels will meet at Farnborough FC's stadium on the 14th April to raise money for the Luis Gabriel Guembes fund

The Luis Gabriel Memorial Fund was founded in February and looks to raise awareness of the impacts of knife crime while providing financial support to charities and projects working in knife crime prevention and youth education.

The coaches of both the sides playing described Luis as an inspirational player.

Mytchett Athletic coach Mark DeGiovanni says he was driven by his teamates.

"He actually could have played a few divisions up above both of our teams because he was, he was that good, but he chose to play with his friend, he chose his teammates.

For him, he loved playing football, he loved scoring goals, but he loved being around his teammates and he loved the social side of it as well. And I think that's really, for me, that's really what what drove him."

He also said his attitude on the pitch was something that he found particularly remarkable

"I can't remember a time where he ever complained about a coaching decision, a refereeing decision, or his own, the way he played. And that actually for me is really rare because most of the kids are either upset at themselves, at us or the referees."

Churt Coach Mark Davies says he hopes the fixture can provide a sense of healing for those taking part, many of whom were classmates and teammates of Luis

"I think it would be a big healing part of process for them. For instance, half of our team went to the same school, so they were very, very close to Louis. He was a very, very close friend, dear friend."

Mark DeGiovanni also emphasised the need to do something positive out of something so negative

"In what is such a tragic event we're just seeing this upward trend where people just, it's just showing that it's needed and the community needs it as much as we need it. So I think it's really good from from that perspective.

It's just literally just getting a load of boys together to celebrate Luis's life"

Mark also told us what he hopes the atmosphere will be on the day

"We're hoping there'll be a lot of love and a lot of support for the players and and you know what they're going to bring to the pitch, which is heart and passion and everything that they do on a week out, just probably emphasised with the event."

Those looking to donate to the event can find a donation link through the Luis Gabriel Guembes Fund Go Fund Me page

Luis Gabriel Guembes was murdered in Stoke Park, off Lido Road, Guildford, on Monday 19th January 2026.

Luis was pronounced dead at the scene after members of the public and emergency services rushed to help him in the wooded area at Stoke Park.

Two teenagers have been charged with his murder and appeared in court.

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