9-Year-Old Boy Killed By Lightning While at Football Training

Like many of our own little ones, 9-year-old Jordan Banks loved his soccer. He belonged to the Clifton Rangers Junior Soccer Club in Blackpool, England, and could frequently be found at football training or playing soccer at school with friends.

This week Jordan Banks was struck by lightning on the Blackpool soccer pitch during his team’s training, surrounded by his teammates and coach. He was immediately rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.

A tragic incident

Jordan’s football club confirmed the news with a heartbreaking Facebook post.

It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart we announce that the tragic incident yesterday involved one of our own players.

Jordan, one of our U9 Bees, tragically passed away yesterday evening doing what he loved.

Jordan was a Shining Light and an inspiration to everyone that he met. A strong, determined and courageous young man, who will be missed by everyone. The world has truly lost an extraordinary young man, who had done so much good in his community.

We cannot begin to imagine the grief of the family. Our thoughts, prayers, love and hugs go out to them all and to his teammates, friends and coaches who are devastated by the loss.

Fly High Young Man, Sleep Tight and God Bless.”

So much good in his community

In addition to being a superstar on the football field, Jordan was also an incredible role model and member of the Blackpool community. In January he was featured on the Blackpool Police Facebook page for leaving sweets on top of their vehicles.

Jordan was also well known in the community for his fundraising efforts in honour of his late uncle Reece Begg. In January, Jordan ran 30 miles over 10 days, eventually raising more than $3,500.

‘Very kind and caring’

As expected, the tragic loss of Jordan has hit everyone hard, especially his family and friends.

Jordan’s close friend CJ shared these sweet words:

We were best friends, we were in the same class. He was very kind and caring. Football was very important to him. He loved it. He played it every day and at school with me.”

Det. Supt. Nick Connaughton of Lancashire Police said in a statement:

This is a truly devastating incident and our thoughts are wholeheartedly with the family and friends of the young boy, who has passed away, at this very sad and distressing time.”

The world reacts

The news has also hit home for many soccer clubs around the world with several clubs posting 9 soccer balls in their status to show compassion and support for Jordan’s family, friends and coaches.