A youth football team who were struck by tragedy last season have helped to raise thousands for charity and build a legacy for their best friend, all whilst enjoying their best-ever campaign on the pitch.
Last season, Cookley Sports under-17s, based near Kidderminster in Worcestershire, suffered the devastating loss of goalkeeper and captain Dom Fox, who took his own life just before Christmas in 2020, aged just 16.
Dom was beloved by his teammates and they have since made it their mission to honour his memory and raise money and awareness for Papyrus, a charity for the prevention of young suicide.
Helped by a donation from our Kick N Mix grassroots football newsletter, which raised money from readers to go to good causes in response to last year’s European Super League proposals, the club were able to turn an old wooden BMX shack into a memorial shelter for Dom, helping to combine his love of football with his obsession with bikes, BMXs and motorbikes.
The structure, which was decorated by professional graffiti artists and includes Papyrus’ Hopeline number along with a plaque dedicated to Dom, his BMX and his motorbike racing number ‘Foxy 199’, offers a communal area for local kids and teenagers to congregate.
It’s proved to be a conversation starter, with under-17s coach Marcus Weatherstone appreciative of how the shelter has been treated by both his own players and rival teams.
"It is being treated with respect," he said. "Not only by our own teams but when opposition sides come to play again us.
"They walk all the way around it to have a look, they see the messages and the helpline numbers and ask us the story behind it.
"It's another really good way of keeping Dom's memory alive and raising awareness of such an important cause."
Dom’s family remain involved in Cookley Sports, with his nan in charge of refreshments, serving up sausage and chips to home and away sides every weekend.
His grandad has also continued to sponsor Dom’s old team - but with one crucial difference.
"We didn't know whether he would still want to be involved this season," Weatherstone said. "He said he was keen to show his support by carrying on as a sponsor.
"Instead of having his company logos on our shirts though, I asked him if we could have something in honour of Dom.
"So now the lads have got Foxy 199 across their chests, just like the branding in the shelter."
A charity game between Cookley’s open age team and a veterans side generated more than £2,000 for Papyrus and other mental health charities, whilst pubs in the village also helped to fundraise.
The club have also put in place the Dom Fox Memorial Trophy, awarded to the goalkeeper who concedes the least amount of goals during the season.
Impressively, whilst doing so much in memory of Dom, his old teammates are also enjoying their best-ever season on the pitch.
After having to come to terms with the loss of Dom last season, it took Cookley until the very last game of the campaign to get their first win, which was dedicated to their close friend.
Yet this year has seen the team go from strength to strength, achieving their best-ever season in the Stourbridge and District Youth League.
Alongside fourth place and the most points they’ve ever won, the side also has a positive goal difference and more wins than defeats for the first time.
Boss Weatherstone puts their progress down to the sense of togetherness among the players after the loss of their much-loved captain.
He said: "There's just a real bond among them because of what they've been through and that has helped them get even closer this season.
"They've set up their own WhatsApp group to contact and support each other regularly and the spirit among them is fantastic - they're doing it for Dom.
"It's the best season I can remember since they were under 10s.
"Dom was a legend, a really bright, bubbly lad and I'd like to think we're doing him proud."
The Papyrus Hopeline number is 0800 068 4141. It is for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide and for anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
You can find out more about the charity's work or make a donation here.
This article includes extracts from our Kick N Mix newsletter. Click here to sign up and receive regular emails about grassroots football.
