EAST Berkshire's footballing community has rallied together after the death of a "truly missed" young player.
Jacob Chapman, 20, was hit by a car in Wexham Road in the early hours of Saturday morning as he walked home. He was taken to Wexham Park Hospital with serious injuries, but died on Sunday morning as a result of those injuries. A 21-year-old man was also injured.
The former East Berkshire College Langley campus pupil had just signed for Iver-based Delaford FC - the men’s team associated with Delaford Colts - over the summer, playing in all of the team’s pre-season games. He was also due to have started studying at university on Monday.
As a mark of respect, all Delaford home games and all East Berkshire Football League (EBFL) games this weekend will start with a one minute’s silence in memory of the 20-year-old with a suggestion all goals scored in EBFL games also be dedicated to him.
This weekend we would like all clubs to observe a minutes silence before kickoff in memory of @delafordmens Jacob Chapman who sadly passed.
— EastBerksFL (@EastBerksFL) September 14, 2015
Meanwhile, Delaford FC’s opponents tomorrow (Saturday), Harefield United FC, have agreed to move the game from their home ground to Delaford’s at Iver Recreation Ground as a mark of respect and to allow Jacob’s family to be with the team.
The EBFL, which has expressed its condolences to Jacob’s family and friends, will present flowers to the club at the game which the club intends to pass on to the Chapman family.
Every goal scored this weekend should be dedicated to the memory of the young @delafordmens player taken so tragically. May God bless him.
— EBFL_Fixtures (@EBFL_Fixtures) September 14, 2015
Steve Lewis, Delaford’s secretary, said: “He was such a nice lad, really friendly, got on well with everyone and was a good footballer. He had only played a few games for us but it was like he had been here for ages to be honest, that’s how popular he was. He will be truly missed.
“Anyone who wants to come down and support the guys on Saturday would be appreciated as I’m sure it is going to be an emotional day."
A Facebook post on Delaford Colts FC’s page in memory of Jacob has had more than 250 comments of condolences and has been seen by more than 100,0000 people on social media.
Mr Lewis added: “The football world has been fantastic. It has been overwhelming at times. We just all hope Jacob’s family get some comfort from that - obviously our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
Our thoughts are with @delafordmens club and those families affected by the sad passing of one of their young promising players. #RIP
— EastBerksFL (@EastBerksFL) September 14, 2015
Delaford FC is planning to hold a charity match over the course of the season to raise money in memory of Jacob.
Constantin Radu, 32 of Salt Hill Way, Slough, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving a motor vehicle with alcohol levels above the limit in connection with the crash. He appeared at Slough Magistrates Court on Monday and remanded in custody. He will appear at Reading Crown Court on Thursday for a pre-trial hearing.
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