RIP Hayden 😢 Absolutely devastating news as we hear about the tragic passing of 13 year old Riverside United JFC player. Hayden Jones-Powell
Police were called to Meynell Lake, off Fosse Way in Syston, at 13:30 BST on Thursday to search for Hayden Jones-Powell, and police divers recovered the 13-year-old's body from the lake later that day.
In a statement, his parents Ben Jones-Powell and Emily Ambler said Hayden had a passion for football and a love of animals, and added: "We want him to be remembered by his big smile."
A statement from Hayden's club reads as follows ⤵️
It is with profound sadness that Riverside United JFC shares the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our young players, Hayden Jones-Powell.
Hayden began his football journey with us as part of our Sparrowhawks before progressing into our Merlins team. During his time at the club, he was a valued member of the Riverside family, and his loss has deeply affected everyone who knew him.
Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences are with Hayden’s family, friends, teammates and coaches at this unimaginably difficult time. As a club, we stand together in supporting those closest to him and remembering a young life taken far too soon.
Hayden’s family have set up a fundraising page to help give him the send-off he truly deserves. If you are able to support them in any way, no matter how small, it would be greatly appreciated.
Forever in our Hearts……Hayden 💙❤️💙❤️
Go Fund me link in COMMENTS
Took some essential coaching equipment to training tonight, 16 water pistols and a massive bucket of water.
There was 1 Rule, whatever water was left in the bucket at the end they could throw over me. I thought there would be no water left, I was wrong. 🤣
This is Billy-Joe, a young carer ! ❤️
The Billy-Joe everyone sees on the football pitch is the same young boy week in week out, smile on his face, lots of energy pure grit and determination. What lots of people don't know is that from a very young age Billy-Joe became a young carer.
His mum Kirsty unfortunately had a car accident which resulted in her having to have her leg amputated in 2023 and this is where Billy-Joe stepped up as a son and big brother and decided to help as much as possible.
From helping cooking meals, hanging the washing out, looking after his younger sisters, putting his mums wheelchair in the car, the list of jobs and responsibilities Billy-joe takes on in his daily routine is endless. He never moans or complains just gets on with it as family comes first to him.
What comes second in Billy-Joes life is of course football! ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Football has given not just Billy-Joe but his whole family a new way of life, with the whole family making new friends in the Pollington Panthers community.
Training is never missed, match days are the best day in the week and the whole family know how much it means to Billy-Joe to have a whole new group of friends that understand his life is different from theirs but treat him exactly the same.
Some away days used to cause Billy-Joe worry, not for himself but for his mum, if she'd be able to get a disabled parking space or will she even be able to get across some of the muddy ground to be able to cheer him on on the sideline. Luckily he worries no more as the team all chip in with his team mates and parents making sure Kirsty always gets to the sideline!
There was actually a game when his Mum was in hospital after having surgery and knowing how much she would miss watching him Billy-Joe organised another parent to give live updates throughout the match. This is just 1 example in a list of many where Billy-Joe is always thinking of others.
Billy-Joe knows he has alot more responsibility than most 11 year olds but rather than complaining about it he wears the title of 'young carer' like a badge of honour.
When his Mum is able to for small amounts of time be on her prosthetic leg guess where she goes? Of course the football pitch! Showing everyone how much football means to not just Billy-Joe but the whole family.
Hopefully this short insight into Billy Joes life shows other players there's so much behind each individual on the pitch, kids may be taking on alot more than you know, so always be kind, be helpful.......be more like Billy-Joe !
#TeamGrassroots
#EndOfSeasonShoutout to Highfield Grange U14s finishing off their season winning the U15s Europa League Final in a tournament a year above!
Enjoy the next 4/5 weeks off & go again next season
Well done 👏
#TeamGrassroots#GRF#GrassrootsFootball
What a great Grassroots Parent Coach/ child moment caught on camera !
‘Just won our first Cup at U7 in the Tamworth League. Lad in the middle is my son and the goal keeper is the other coaches lad at the time! ‘
#TeamGrassroots#GRF
#EndOfSeasonShoutout to Horsforth St Margaret’s Panthers U14s!
🥇 West Riding Division 1 Champions
🏆 League Cup Winners
An incredible achievement by a fantastic group of players. The girls have shown tremendous commitment, resilience, and teamwork throughout the season, and they thoroughly deserve their success.
As we close the chapter on our U14 season, we’d like to wish the players moving on to JPL teams the very best of luck. They leave with our full support and should be proud of the part they played in such a memorable season.
Looking ahead, we’re excited about the transition to U15 football and have some exciting plans in place. We’re also looking to add a few quality players to our talented squad as we prepare for the challenges ahead.
If you’re interested in joining a successful, ambitious, and supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.
💙⚽ Congratulations to all the girls on a brilliant season — champions on and off the pitch!
#TeamGrassroots #GRF #GrassrootsFootball
📷HEATWAVE WARNING FOR GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL
Amber and Red Heat Warnings have been issued across large parts of the UK over the coming days. Here are some tips to keep yung players safe (LINK in COMMENTS
🗣A reminder to all of the FA rules regarding photography and filming at youth football matches. Anyone wishing to film or take photos in football has a responsibility to familiarise themselves with and adhere to the following guidance below (👉Link in COMMENTS👈)
Grassroots Football can have such an amazing impact on peoples lives 🥹👏❤️
3 years ago we posted about Jamie (see image) - 3 years later -
Jamie is now 15 years old and his passion for football is stronger than ever. In fact, his love for the game has grown so much that, with the support of his parents, he decided to create his own pan-disability football club, Lionsgate FC.
What started just 18 months ago with 12 players has grown into something truly remarkable. Today, Lionsgate FC provides football opportunities for more than 59 children and young people with physical disabilities, learning difficulties and SEN. The club now has two Under-12 teams, an Under-14 team, an Under-16 team and an Under-18/21 team, giving players of all ages the chance to enjoy football in a supportive and inclusive environment.
The club's success has been incredible, and we have been extremely fortunate to secure the support of the iconic Birmingham reggae band UB40 as our main sponsor. Their backing has helped us continue to grow and provide opportunities for even more young people.
Jamie himself is thriving. He currently plays in both the Staffordshire League and the WMIL with our Under-18s team and is enjoying his football more than ever. The quiet, shy boy many people remember has developed into a confident, outgoing and enthusiastic young man. Football has not only helped him improve his ability on the pitch but has also transformed his confidence and self-belief away from it.
His passion for helping others is equally impressive. Jamie now assists with coaching our Under-12 teams and is already working towards gaining the qualifications he will need to pursue a career in coaching after leaving school. His ambition is to support children and young people who may be facing similar challenges to those he experienced when he was 10 years old, using football as a way to build confidence, friendships and opportunities.
We couldn't be prouder of everything Jamie has achieved. His journey shows just how powerful sport can be in changing lives, and he continues to inspire everyone around him through his determination, leadership and love of the game. ❤️❤️❤️
#TeamGrassroots #GRF