Football game in honour of “fantastic lad”

The players clapped for two minutes before the match began. They had Danny's framed shirt with them.

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The team mates of a popular footballer from Rochdale who died last weekend came together today (Sunday 6 February 2011) to play a game in his honour and raise money for his family.

Danny Wilson, 22, of Syke, passed away last Sunday. Today, his fellow players from Syke FC turned out in full force for a match in his memory.

Skye FC first and second teams took to the pitch wearing t-shirts reading “Gone but never forgotten” and “RIP Danny Wilson” others wore t-shirts with Danny’s picture on and his number, the number 7, on the back.

The friends and family of Danny surrounded the pitch at Matthew Moss High School. Admission to the match was £2.00 with all proceeds going directly to the family. Girls wearing tutus and t-shirts with Danny’s face on were armed with collection buckets and collected from the crowd throughout the game.

Danny’s parents, Jill and Alan Wilson were there.  Mrs Wilson described the game as “fantastic.” Mr Wilson added: “I couldn’t believe he had so many friends.”

Speaking of Danny, Mrs Wilson said: “He was a fantastic lad, the best son you could ever have.”

Mr Wilson added: “He was fun loving, happy, brilliant, there aren’t enough words to describe him. He would have done anything for anyone; you never had to ask him twice.”

The manager of Syke FC, Sean Matthews, said: “This is a fantastic turnout, he was a popular lad and he touched so many people with his cheeky smile.

“We have got lads from several teams here who all knew Danny. He loved football, it was his passion.

“To be honest I am really touched by how many people are turning up.”

Mr Mathews added: “Danny was with us since Syke FC started and all the lads got to know him. He was fun loving. He loved everything.”

“Everyone is here for Danny,” Mr Mathews added.

Syke FC have framed Danny’s team shirt for his parents.

The first half of the game involved players from the Syke FC teams but the second half was opened up to any players who wanted to take part.

Prior to kick off the players clapped for two minutes to pay tribute to Danny.

Shortly after kick off a player suffered a knee injury and was taken to hospital by ambulance. The game proceeded after a short delay.

An auction in aid of Danny is taking place at the Mayfield Rugby Club in Castleton this afternoon.