‘Infectious personality’ - Hebburn football club pays tribute after tragic death of player aged just 20
“Hebburn as a community has been left heartbroken as we’ve certainly lost one of the great ones.”
Hebburn Town FC has paid a heart-felt tribute to a ‘wonderful’ man with an ‘infectious personality’ after the player’s tragic death.
The football club shared a statement online that said Jack Hanley, 20, from Hebburn, “suddenly passed away”.
Hebburn Town FC’s statement said the club was “devastated” by the news and that Jack had been a member of the club since the age of three.
It was then that he started ‘soccer tots’ and the club described him as “an ever present as he developed through the club’s pathway.”
The statement read that Jack went on to represent the club at senior level with the reserve team for the last few years “with some great success.”
Hebburn Town FC’s statement said: “Jack, was a wonderful young man, had an infectious personality and always had a smile on his face, regularly socialised in the Sportsy with his many team mates and friends and will be sorely missed by all. Hebburn as a community has been left heartbroken as we’ve certainly lost one of the great ones.
“Our immediate thoughts and prayers go out to Jacks family (John, Claire, Ben, Patsy) and all his wider family and friends across our community at this difficult time.”
The club explained it has secured professional support from the If U Care Share Foundation for staff, players and those who require it at this difficult time.
The club’s facilities are open for anyone to meet up and talk, either collectively or 1-to-1.
Hebburn Town FC stated that the club is set to celebrate the life of Jack at an upcoming home game once it has “received the blessing from his family.”
No date for the celebration has been confirmed as of yet.
The club’s shared the contact information for If U Share on 0191 387 5661 or via their website: Contact | If U Care Share
The statement ended with: “RIP Jack - God Bless from all at Hebburn Town FC.”
If U Care Share Foundation co-founder, Matthew Smith, said: “The If U Care Share Foundation send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Jack following his tragic passing. The emotional and poignant tributes that have been paid over the last 24 hours just show how special he is and how many lives he has impacted throughout his life.
“As a foundation, we will be supporting staff, players and volunteers at Hebburn Town Football Club, who played such a big part in Jack’s life and we are working with the club to piece together the most fitting way to do so.”