MASON PEDDLE
The Wessex Football League joins the wider football family in mourning the loss of AFC Portchester U23's captain, Mason Peddle.
Peddle captained AFC Portchester’s under-23's side, and the team will be coming together to pay tribute to him at The OnSite Group Stadium on Saturday.
The sad news of Mason’s passing has seen an outpouring of moving messages and support from across the footballing community.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support Mason’s family and raise funds to cover the costs of his funeral - it has already raised more than £27,000:
To make a donation, please click HERE.
The first match AFC Portchester's under-23s will play in since the sad news broke, is this Saturday (15th) at home to Liphook United, kick-off 3pm.
In a message release on behalf of the under-23s squad, the players are calling on people to join them at the game on Saturday as “we celebrate the memory of our beloved friend and captain Mason.”
The statement continued: "As we continue to mourn the passing of our beloved captain and friend Mason Peddle, we are comforted by the outpouring of support and love shown by the local and wider footballing community.
“With this in mind we intend to honour Mason at our forthcoming league fixture on Saturday with a moment’s applause and the laying of a special commemorative wreath.
“We invite all friends, loved ones and well wishers to join us at The OnSite Group Stadium to celebrate the life of a great young man, gone from us all too soon.
“There will be a collection taking place and all proceeds, as well as all gate receipts, will be split between Mason’s family and a donation to Samaritans of Portsmouth and East Hampshire in Mason’s name.
“Please join us for what will be a solemn occasion but one where we are all united by our love for, and fondest memories of, a wonderful young man who was loved by all who knew him.”
Entry to the Hampshire Combination and Development League East Division fixture, is £5.
A further fundraising fixture has been arranged at AFC Portchester on Friday, May 12, with proceeds split between Mason's family and Portsmouth Samaritans.
It's good to talk. You're not alone. If you feel you are struggling, there are organisations that can help:
Original article courtesy AFC Portchester
Article Photo: Dave Bodymore
