Football match for ‘kind’ Ryan
A football match is to be played in memory of a Horsham man who was ‘beautiful inside and out’.
Ryan Gleeson, 21, died when his car left the road on the A283 Washington Road in Steyning on the night of December 24.
Tom Bourne, who plays for Ryan’s old team – TCP FC – said the side has now been renamed Gleeson 11 FC in his memory.
Tom, 23, added: “He was the most beautiful boy you would ever meet inside and out. He had a heart of gold – his personality was just amazing.
“I can’t put all the things I want to say into one sentence cause I would be here for hours. He was that boy everybody loved.
“He never had any enemies he was all around a golden boy on the pitch, off the pitch he was like family.”
The memorial match will be played against Horsham Baptists on Saturday July 31 at Southwater Sports Club.
As well as the match itself, they are holding a Beat the Goalie and Raffle to raise money to go to Ryan’s family to help with costs and to remember him. Tom said: “It’s amazing how many people have stepped forward [to help]. I would just like to say a big thank you to all of the team at Gleeson FC.”
He also thanked Morgan, Demi, Jess, Lewis and Brandon. Tom added: “My condolences go out to the family. Ryan was truly loved by all and we all miss him dearly.”
Earlier this year Ryan’s girlfriend Jade and some of his friends from football, speaking also on behalf of his family, paid tribute to him: “Ryan, also known as Dora, had many hobbies and activities in his spare time.
“He played football for TCPFC in the BBH 5-a-side league twice a week.
“Ryan was a real pleasure to have on the team. From the first game he played they knew he was golden, from the smiles and the noises he made on and off the pitch which made a huge impact on the team. Many words have been used to sum up Ryan as a person – happy, funny, selfless, kind, always there when you needed him – descriptions that show how amazing and loved he was by his friends.
“He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.”
The football match will kick off from 3.30pm on July 31 with players arriving from 2pm. For more information or to get involved contact Tom at www.facebook.com/ tombourne.13