TRIBUTES have racked up for a nine-year-old footballer who died after being struck by lightning.
Jordan Banks was hit by lightning during football training in Blackpool, two weeks ago, and Orford FC wanted to pay their respects.
What started off as just an under sevens initiative soon brought together the whole club's involvement.
The under sevens side – joint-managed by Christopher Fisher and Kevin Seasman – lined up together holding nine yellow and black balloons, which were the colours of Jordan’s club Clifton Rangers, as well as a number seven balloon in homage to Jordan’s shirt number.
They also all wore black armbands, stood around nine footballs and joined in with a minute's applause.
“It is emotional and it’s touching. It could happen to anybody. More (so) being a parent of a child that age as my son plays for that team, I think it touched all of our parents to be honest,” Christopher said.
“It touched the whole grassroots of football.
“We just decided together that we wanted to pay tribute and show our respects as a team and as a club to Jordan."
The game on the adjacent pitch also stopped and joined in with the heart-warming gesture.
Christopher added: “It was just really nice to see.”
The club raised £371 from parents and coaches in donations to support Jordan’s family, which Orford FC will match themselves to put £742 towards the GoFundMe page.
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