Rest in peace, Sam Harding
Former England schoolboy footballer Sam Harding has died aged 20 after being struck by a vehicle at a “car meet” in Warrington, Cheshire.
Harding was taken to hospital and later pronounced dead following the incident, which happened on Sunday night. Cheshire Police confirmed a 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The central midfielder, from Stockport, played several non-league clubs, including Prescott Cables, Glossop North End, FC United of Manchester, Ashton Athletic and Runcorn Linnets.
He was a student at the University Campus of Football Business and has been described as “an extremely popular student” and a “promising footballer” by the university.
Sergeant Simon Degg insisted that Cheshire Police’s inquiries were in “the early stages”, stating: “We know that there were a large number of people present at the car meet and as part of our investigation we are keen to hear from witnesses.
“The same goes for anyone with any video footage from the event. I’d urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to get in touch.”
Tributes pour in for Harding
A host of football clubs paid tribute to the 20-year-old, with Ashton Athletic writing: “Ashton Athletic are devastated to hear the news of the passing of 2021-22 first-team player Sam Harding.
“Sam was only at our club for one season and was a huge factor in our improved form since his arrival. He was a quiet, well-mannered young man and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the club. All our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this terrible time. RIP Sam.”
Sam Harding 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/Kf8z1Byo6k
— Ashton Athletic FC (@AshtonAthletic) April 11, 2022
FC United of Manchester academy manager Tom Conroy said Harding was “one of the best academy players we have ever had and that was proven when he was successful in England schoolboy trials, earning caps for his country”.
He added: “Sam is always spoken about to future academy players as a perfect example of the type of player we want at the club, not only with regards to… footballing ability, but the type of person he was – kind, polite, hard working and professional. He will be sadly missed and I would like to pass my love and condolences to Sam’s family.”
⬛ FC United would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sam Harding.
We will remember Sam before our first team game this weekend, and Academy Manager Tom Conroy paid tribute to him here ⤵️https://t.co/0p4q3XSFJK
🟥🟥⬜⬛⬜🟥🟥 https://t.co/l7uDGeEFb1 pic.twitter.com/dWti42CBRi
— FC United of Manchester 🟥⬜⬛ (@FCUnitedMcr) April 11, 2022
Glossop North End wrote: “GNE is shocked & deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former player, Sam Harding, who sadly passed away last night aged just 20. Sam came through Glossop Juniors and we all join together in sending our deepest & sincere condolences to Sam’s family at this difficult time.”
GNE is shocked & deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former player, Sam Harding, who sadly passed away last night aged just 20. Sam came through @glossopjuniors & we all join together in sending our deepest & sincere condolences to Sam's family at this difficult time pic.twitter.com/61rziXeGFZ
— Glossop North End (@GlossopNorthEnd) April 11, 2022
Prescot Cables added: “The club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sam Harding, who was killed in a car accident last night. Sam made a number of appearances for Prescot Cables during the 2019-20 season. Our thoughts are with his friends, former teammates and family at this time. RIP Sam.”
The club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sam Harding, who was killed in a car accident last night. Sam made a number of appearances for Prescot Cables during the 2019-2020 season. Our thoughts are with his friends, former teammates and family at this time. RIP Sam. pic.twitter.com/Ka5yxRJ5hb
— Prescot Cables FC (@PrescotCablesFC) April 11, 2022
The North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) – steps nine and 10 in the English football pyramid – tweeted: “All of us at the NWCFL are devastated by the passing of Sam Harding and send our most sincere condolences to his family. A tragic loss for our footballing community, Sam’s dedication and sheer love for the game will always be remembered.”
All of us at the NWCFL are devastated by the passing of Sam Harding and send our most sincere condolences to his family.
A tragic loss for our footballing community, Sam's dedication and sheer love for the game will always be remembered💛💙 https://t.co/N6KGu12fDE
— The NWCFL ⚽️ (@nwcfl) April 11, 2022
RELATED ARTICLES
MORE FROM JOE
MORE FROM JOE
