Tributes paid to "outstanding" teenage footballer Tom

Wickersley School pupil Tom Bothamley died at home on Friday and teammates, family and friends have launched a fund-raising campaign to pay for his funeral.

The online appeal has already raised more than £6,000 and his former classmates and teachers will battle it out on Wednesday to top up the fund.

The match — which will feature Wickersley School staff taking on year-11 pupils — will kick-off at 4pm at the Bawtry Road school.

Len Curtis, chairman of Wickersley Youth Junior Football Club — who Tom played for since the age of seven — said he was an “outstanding player”.

He said: “Tom joined our club as a seven-year-old in 2011 and was one of the outstanding players, not only in our club but also one of the finest players in Sheffield Junior League.

“I was very lucky to have coached him and watched him develop into a fantastic footballer. He was adored by his team mates and his tragic loss is hard to describe for his family and friends.

“To watch him shine in our tournament last weekend and to know he’ll not wear our jersey again or see his big smile again is something none of us will ever understand.

“He was great fun, caring, warm, mischievous and such a big personality in every way. Words cannot describe how much he’ll be missed.”

For more information on the campaign or to donate visit https://www.gofundme.com/2dibdtg