Jordan Banks: Sunday league clubs hold minute's silence for boy

Jordan's father described him as "an amazing little person"

Sunday league footballers from more than 80 teams have held a minute's silence in memory of a nine-year-old boy who died after being struck by lightning.

Jordan Banks was playing football in a field in Blackpool when he was killed on Tuesday evening.

All teams in the Lancashire Sunday League observed the silence before their matches.

Cars and trucks formed a convoy driving across the town's promenade earlier.

The procession saw trucks decked with Liverpool FC banners and balloons make their way to the recreation ground where Jordan was having a coaching session when he was struck.

People lined the streets and laid flowers and tributes along the promenade.

Businessman Dave Hall, 49, who organised the convoy said the turnout was "phenomenal" and he "couldn't have wished for better".

"We just wanted to show we're here and we care. When a tragedy happens like this, we want the family to know that," he said.

Flowers were placed in tribute along the promenade

The long procession took nearly one-and-a-half hours to pass through.

In a tweet, Longsands JFC said their under-nine squad and and Ribbleton FC had earlier "perfectly observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect and support".

Jordan, a Liverpool supporter, was taken to hospital with serious injuries after the lightning strike but died a short time later.

His father Matt Banks described him as "an amazing little person" with "the biggest heart".

The young footballer made headlines when he dished out sweets to police officers during the pandemic

He said his son's organs had been donated to three children.

The minute's silence was observed by clubs across four adult leagues and four junior leagues.

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge tweeted there was sadness "beyond words" for Jordan "at all the grassroots football here in Liverpool".

Mr Hall said as a father he felt moved to honour Jordan.

"I live in Kirkham and my seven-year-old lad was also playing football on Tuesday. They had to delay their training session while the storm passed," he said.

Liverpool stars wore shirts bearing Jordan's name ahead of their match on Thursday

"I think what happened has affected everybody."

Two Crowdfunding pages set up in the boy's memory have raised more than £82,000.

• Boy’s organs donated after lightning strike death

• Family tribute to boy killed in lightning strike

• Boy, 9, killed in lightning strike on playing field

Flowers, footballs, shirts and messages of condolence have been left at the playing field in Common Edge Road.

People have also been posting nine footballs on social media and using the hashtag #RIPLittleMan.

On Thursday Liverpool FC players wore shirts bearing Jordan's name ahead of their clash with Manchester United.

Jordan won praise for his fundraising efforts earlier this year after raising £3,000 for a mental health charity in memory of his uncle by running 30 miles in 10 days.

He played for Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club, who described him as "an extraordinary young man".

The flag at Blackpool Town Hall was flown at half-mast in tribute to Jordan and Blackpool Tower and the town's illuminations arches were lit up in red in homage to his beloved Liverpool.

Tributes have been placed at the field where Jordan was struck

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