Boy, 14, dies in ‘freak’ youth match collision

AN “EXTREMELY popular” 14-year-old boy has died after colliding with another footballer during a youth match.

Luca Campanaro, a goalkeeper for Bedgrove Dynamos FC, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, was seriously injured during an under15s away match against Harefield

United FC in west London on Sunday.

The player is believed to have collided with a member of the opposite team in what has been described as a “freak accident”.

Paramedics and ambulance crews were on the scene “instantaneously”, according to Ray Green, the secretary for Harefield United FC, and Luca was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital.

Mr Green said: “Normally when you have a football injury you can be sitting around for an hour, but it was instantaneous.” He added: “It was just a freak accident.”

Dave Garricks, a family friend, has set up a JustGiving page, which has surpassed its £10,000 goal to cover funeral costs, According to the page, Luca’s organs were donated “so in this tragic event others may live”.

Luca attended The Mandeville School in Aylesbury, where he was sitting six GCSEs and a Btec in health and social care. Headteacher Andria Hanham said: “He was an extremely popular boy and well liked by his peers and staff.”

A statement from Bedgrove Dynamos FC said: “Our thoughts are with Luca’s family and loved ones at this distressing time.”