TRIBUTES have been pouring in for a remarkable football fan who has died at the age of 14.
Jayden Watts assisted his dad Justin both in managing Kingswood Athletic Sunday league team and in working in hospitality at League Two Bristol Rovers.
Now his family, friends, players and supporters are working to ensure Jayden, who died at Easter following a lifelong struggle with a heart condition, has the send-off he deserves.
Jayden, who attended Blaise High School, was unable to play football because of the heart defects he was born with, but he loved the game and followed it closely.
Kingswood Athletic said: “Jayden was our assistant manager, kit man, and social media magician. More than that, he was Kingswood Athletic’s biggest fan, and our teammate.
“The club will never be the same without him. We will miss him greeting us at the changing rooms, the clips of our goals, and his end of season awards. We will remember his positivity, his strength, and the sound of his celebrations.”
Jayden was also well known at the Memorial Stadium, where he helped Justin and his nan Hazel on match days. A minute’s applause was held for him during Rovers’ match against Crawley. Unusually, the referee stopped the game in the 14th minute to allow players from both teams to join the crowd in paying tribute, as Jayden’s picture appeared on the big screens.
A club spokesperson said: “All at Bristol Rovers Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jayden Watts.
“Jayden’s love and passion for Rovers was a constant on matchdays at The Memorial Stadium, attending each and every game with his father Justin.
“His infectious personality lit up the Seat Unique Suite as he assisted his dad in hosting hospitality guests and club partners, and Jayden took great pride in running back to the hospitality area to update club staff when the Gas had scored a goal.”
Justin said the support of the football community meant a great deal to him and to Jayden’s mum Danielle and brother Oakley, seven.
Players and supporters of Kingswood Athletic organised a sponsored walk up Pen y Fan to raise money towards the cost of Jayden’s funeral, which will take place at Westerleigh Crematorium on Saturday May 23 at 11am.
The club is also staging a memorial match for Jayden in Southey Park, Kingswood, on Sunday May 3 at 2pm, when a team of Kingswood Athletic Legends will take on the current side, who play in the Bristol Sunday Premier League.
Justin said: “Jayden was a great kid. He brought a lot of love and has made a difference to a lot of people’s lives. I want him to have the very best send-off we can give him.”
As the Voice went to print, the fund stood at just over £5,000. You can contribute at https://tinyurl.com/mz7vd3up