Football match celebrates murdered teen's life

Megan Newton was found dead in her flat in April 2019

A charity football match will be held later to celebrate the life of a teenager who was murdered six years ago.

Megan Newton, 18, was found dead at her flat on Fletcher Road, Stoke-on-Trent, on 20 April 2019 after she was raped and murdered by Joseph Trevor, who received a life sentence in February 2020.

A keen and talented footballer, Ms Newton studied at Newcastle College in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, and coached a youth team.

Following her death, the college organised an annual football match in her memory, with this year's set to kick off at 18:00 BST on Wednesday.

It will feature the college's current women's football academy team and former students who played with Ms Newton before her death.

Todd Bailey, curriculum manager for sport at Newcastle College and Ms Newton's former teacher, told BBC Radio Stoke it was always an emotional time for staff and students.

"While it's emotional, it is really important. It's a team effort and it's important to keep doing it for Meg's legacy," he said.

'A real tragedy'

Mr Bailey described Ms Newton as a "wonderful character" who was resolute, smart, resilient and "had a lot going for her".

Of her coaching younger players, he said: "She wanted to help everybody out and do what she could to make sure they enjoy sport, particularly football.

"It was a real tragedy when what happened to Meg happened."

All proceeds raised at the football match will go to local charity Our Space, which supports children and adults with disabilities.

A number of other events were due to be held at the college throughout the day, including a women's-only walk to raise awareness of women's safety and a raffle.