Club honours mother who led team through tragedy

A football mad mum has been presented with a club award for her efforts in boosting team spirit and building the community of the club in the wake of the tragic death of a team-mate.

Mary Daly was presented with the Club Person of the Year award at the Ashford United Youth FC presentation day.

In particular, club chairman Tom Loughmore praised her efforts to bring the club together after nine- year- old Connor McDonald’s death last October in the sea near his home in Dymchurch.

As assistant manager she supported Connor’s father, Paul McDonald, who is the coach for the under-12s, which includes her son, Liam, and Connor’s older brother, Declan.

This year the team was inspired to win the Ashford and District League title, completing their own underdogs success story like Leicester City.

Mary played an important role in raising money to support the family of 13-year-old cancer patient Cameron Norman who has flown to the United States for treatment.

She has also organised quizzes and events for causes such as Abbie’s Army and Samaritans, to help inspire the young players to take an active role as good citizens.

Now Mrs Daly, who is a community champion for the Crooksfoot Tesco store, said she is stepping down from her role as assistant manager.

She said: “I never expected to be presented with the award so I was a little bit shocked and blown away, it was a lovely gesture.

“I’ve been on the club’s committee for three years, and I think it’s now time to step down to allow some fresh blood to take part.

“I feel like I’ve done my management of helping our own ‘Leicester’ to win the league, now I can spend more time with my children and working at Tesco.”

At the club’s presentation day on Saturday, Mr Loughmore said: “Mary has been a great asset to the club. I’d like to thank her for all the time and effort she has put in. We will miss her energy and passion for the game.”

Now she is looking forward to being a mum on the sidelines for games next season.

Connor McDonald, lost his life after falling into the sea at Dymchurch; Mary Daly was awarded Club Person of the Year