Club seeks young fan who cant afford tickets but sent money for footballer

A football supporters’ passion for their ‘heroes’ on the pitch transcends economic, geographic, demographic and other boundaries, with fans willing to go to any length to fulfill their commitment towards a team. Providing an apt example of this selflessness, a six-year-old sent money for his favourite footballer, despite the fact that he can’t afford to attend matches. The British club is now appealing on social media for assistance in locating the child.

In a letter addressed to League Two side Swindon Town Football Club in Swindon, Oxfordshire, Joe taped 20p, 5p, and 1p coins to a sheet of paper to be delivered to striker Harry McKirdy. 

Also Read | Salah and Firminho upset Inter at San Siro as Liverpool win 2-0

Along with the money, Joe also sent a message to the club, stating that he would be unable to attend games since his mother “had no money for food.” The six-year-old said that they don’t have enough money since his mother must pay for his “school dinner.” “I admire Harry McKidy of Swindon Town.” “I’ll be there one day,” the scribbled message said.

The club posted the message on Twitter, asking for help in finding the youngster as there was no return address on the package. McKirdy received the letter shortly after being awarded the PFA League Two player of the month for January after scoring six goals.

Also Read | Iniesta hints at Barcelona return, wants to get club back on track: Report

Dale Vince, the chairman of Forest Green Rovers FC, stated on social media that if Joe can be discovered, they will pay for him to be a “Swindon Town mascot” for an upcoming match in March. “Stories like this must bring fans together,” Vince wrote.

As the letter went viral, leaving many people moved, the club went a step further, with many people offering to support Joe and his mother.

STFC notified supporters in an update that they had teamed with a local food bank operated by volunteers and “will be seeking to put up a food bank donation station” at the County Ground, where the team plays its home matches, to help families trying to make ends meet.

Also Read | UCL: PSG’s Kylian Mbappe undecided on future after winner vs Real Madrid

Social media users lauded the club’s efforts not just to identify Joe, but also to take up the cause of assisting families trying to make ends meet. Many individuals have proposed that the club open an account where people may donate money to help the effort.

According to the Daily Mail, fans have raised over £4,000 for Joe after the story went viral on social media, triggering an outpour of goodwill. In less than a day since Swindon Town shared Joe’s letter online, hundreds of fans of clubs including Liverpool and Manchester City donated money on a JustGiving fundraising page, with donors hoping the money can help Joe watch Swindon Town in action at their County Ground Stadium.