Match honours memory of young player

Newark’s Sconce and Devon Park on Sunday hosted an annual football match in memory of a promising youth player.

The 13th Tom Mann Memorial Match raised about £350 for Newark Town FC.

Tom was a promising footballer from Newark who died, aged 14, after being hit by a car while jogging on Farndon Road, in 2003.

The match in his honour celebrates youth football and the transition to the adult game.

Newark Town under-17s faced a tough game against Lincoln City under-16s, losing 14-0.

Newark Town’s under-10s lost 7-2 against Mansfield Town under-10s.

Sarah Robinson, of Newark Town, said: “Lincoln City are a fantastic side and, although we lost, they did well considering its an academy side.

“We knew we were going to have a tough game but it was our memorial match so it was more about the day than anything else.

“We had a lot of spectators, particularly for the main game, with a lot of parents and supporters.”

Tom’s father, Mr Barry Mann, watched and presented the trophies.

The football was followed by a family fun day, which included giant inflatables from Bounceabout and a barbecue.

Sarah said: “Tom was killed in 2003 and he was a budding footballer, which is why we do this.

“There is a pride for the lads wearing the Newark Town kit and for his family to be there is touching, and all this makes for a special occasion.”