A youth team at the football club where a policeman who tragically died coached has been renamed in his honour as an online fundraiser topped £1 million.

FC Hartlepool’s Under 10 Reds have changed their name to The Blades after coach Matthew Blades, who was one of two Cleveland Police officers, along with PC Tom Clough, to die in the A66 crash near Middlesbrough over two weeks ago.

FC Hartlepool said: “The FC U10 Reds have changed their name to FC Blades in tribute to coach Matt, whose influence on the team and everyone around it will never be forgotten.”

The team took to the pitch for the first time under their new name on Sunday, winning their opening game of the new season.

FC Hartlepool has renamed one of their youth teams The Blades in tribute to coach Matthew Blades (inset).

placeholder image — FC Hartlepool has renamed one of their youth teams The Blades in tribute to coach Matthew Blades (inset).

FC Hartlepool added: “A new name and a new season, but one that will always carry Matt’s influence and memory with it.”

Cleveland Police Federation has now closed its online appeal for the families of PC Blades and Clough after raising more than £1.2m.

Carl Baker, secretary of Cleveland Police Federation, said: “There are simply not enough words to properly thank everyone for what you have done in memory of Matt and Tom.

“The kindness and generosity shown by people across the country and beyond has meant an enormous amount, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has stood behind both families during such an unimaginably difficult time.

Cleveland Police officers PC Tom Clough (left) and PC Matthew Blades, who died when a car going in the wrong direction hit a police car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

“We are working directly with the team at GoFundMe to make sure everything is appropriately set up for the funds raised to support both families.

“From everyone at Cleveland Police Federation, thank you for standing with the families of Matt and Tom and for showing just how much support is around them.”

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash also paid tribute to both officers in the House of Commons and joined in sending his heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.

He added: “Matthew was a coach at my son’s football club FC Hartlepool, as well as at Seaton Carew FC, and both teams played each other last Saturday where I was proud to join so many Poolies in paying tribute to a remarkable man who was loved by everyone who knew him.”