Two years on from the untimely death of Matlock FC footballer, Jordan Sinnott, friends from the footballing community and family are celebrating the launch of a new charity, the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust, in memory of Jordan who died, aged 25 years, after being fatally injured in Retford, Nottinghamshire, on 25th January 2020.
The Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust achieved status as a registered charity in late December 2021 and aims to help small grassroots clubs thrive by offering grants of up to £5,000 to pay for equipment, transport and kit in order to help engage vulnerable or disadvantaged people with sport. Children and young adults facing barriers, including young carers, can apply for individual grants up to £2,000 to help facilitate their passion and desire to participate in sport.
Kelly and MaisieThe creation of the charity builds on the outpouring of support following Jordan’s death, with football clubs in the UK and overseas sending in football shirts bearing “Sinnott 25” for distribution to grassroots sports clubs in the UK and overseas.
Three of Jordan’s closest friends: Middlesbrough FC player Matt Crooks; retired professional football player, Jonathan Stead and Danny Ward, Huddersfield Town FC player have become Trustees of the charity and are working closely with Jordan’s mum, Melanie Tait to raise funds to help award to clubs and projects which will enable those facing barriers to participate in sport.
To kickstart the fundraising drive, the charity is raffling off the unique JSFT Official shirt which bears the number 25 on the back – Jordan’s age and the date in January 2020 when he died. The shirt has been designed by Danny Ward and has been signed by the charity’s Patron, Ian Wright, MBE, former Premier League footballer, pundit and TV presenter. Tickets are just £2.50 and are available to purchase via the charity’s website: www.js25.co.uk. The raffle closes on Tuesday 1st February at 9pm.
Ian Wright said:
“Playing sport builds confidence and raises aspirations and I’m passionate about making it easier for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to get involved in their sporting passion.
“Jordan’s passing is a huge loss not only to his friends and family, but the sporting world, so it’s an honour to help champion the charity in his name and turn such a devastating tragedy into something positive.”
Danny said:
“Jordan was a really great person; always bending over backwards to help others. Setting up the charity in his name is a way of keeping his spirit alive by helping those who are less fortunate in society to access sporting opportunities. We are grateful to everyone who joins us to make a difference through grassroots sports.”
Jordan’s fiancée, Kelly Bossons is also involved with the running of the charity. Kelly discovered she was pregnant just days after Jordan’s funeral. Their beautiful daughter, Maisie Jordan, is now 16 months old.
Kelly told Charity Today:
“Jordan genuinely cared about everyone and was such a happy and positive person. We’re all so proud of setting up the charity in his name and excited about helping many more people, who might otherwise miss out, enjoy all the benefits of taking part in sport. It’s amazing what we’ve achieved out of such a tragic situation.”
Leeds Powerchair Football Club was one of the charity’s first benefiting organisations, receiving a grant of £5,000 to purchase a bespoke sports powerchair that will enable more disabled players to participate in this increasingly popular sport.
Paul Gorman, Leeds Powerchair Football Club, said:
“We are hugely grateful to the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust for the funding. This new bespoke powerchair will help those who can’t afford to purchase their own chair to participate in games and training sessions. It will also enable us to offer taster days for those who are keen to try out the sport.
“Leeds Powerchair Football Club is committed to enabling people to fulfil their whole potential. Every little bit of funding helps up to continue offering this enriching sporting opportunity to young children, teenagers and adults who might otherwise miss out.”
An exciting programme of fundraising events and activities is planned for 2022 to help further the charity’s work, including the first Annual Ball which will take place at The Queens Hotel, Leeds, on Saturday 11th June.
Melanie Tait, Jordan’s mum and Chair of the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust said:
“Jordan had an infectious smile and the ability to make people laugh. He was just the kindest person who would always go above and beyond to help anybody in need.
“Jord’s values and love of sport are at the heart of the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust – helping to remove barriers that people may face to participating in sport. Sport brought so much to Jordan’s life and we hope that our charity can do the same for others who may not be as fortunate.
“Having Jordan in our hearts has motivated us to set up the charity in his name and to help as many people as we can.”
To find out more about the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust or to participate in the raffle for the chance to win the unique 2022 ‘Jordan’ football shirt visit www.js25.co.uk. You can also follow the charity on Facebook (TheJSFT), Twitter @JSFTrust and Instagram @jsf
