Penzance AFC are devastated by the tragic loss of young reserve team star Alfie Beard, who sadly lost his life in a road traffic accident earlier this week.
When new managers Darren Smith and Lee Major took over in July, Alfie was one of their first two signings. At the time they described the starlet as "full of energy and goals - a menace to any defence".
That faith was fully justified as, in his four pre-season matches, Alfie turned in impressive performances scoring a brace against St Day and the team's most recent goal, at St Just last Saturday. His number ten shirt will be retired.
Showing incredible bravery, Alfie's team-mates will go ahead with today's friendly against Perranporth as they know it is what he would have wished. The match will now be played in Alfie's memory. A minute's silence will be observed before the 2pm kick-off at Penlee Park, and a minute's applause will take place in the tenth minute.
Yesterday, Reserves Team manager Daz Smith wrote on social media:
"Afternoon everyone.
This is the toughest post I've ever had to write...
Tomorrow we welcome Perranporth to Penlee Park in what was initially billed as our final pre season friendly. However after Wednesdays devastating tragic news of the loss of young Alfie Beard, the game will now be played in his memory.
Although Alfie only joined Penzance at the start of the season, many of us have played/coached and been best mates with Alfie for many years.
We were absolutely thrilled when Alfie agreed to sign for us and I know he was looking forward to the upcoming season.
Tomorrow therefore will be the toughest game for us to be a part of but one that Alfie would have wanted to go ahead.
Alfie was a true gent, both on and off the pitch, and he'll be sorely missed by so many, but I know he'll be watching us.
Although tomorrow will be free entry, we will be asking for donations to pass onto Alfies family.
Its a 2pm Kick off and we will be observing a minutes silence pre match, before a standing ovation in the tenth minute of the match in memory of Alfie.
His number 10 shirt has now been retired from the team and we will parade this before the match.
Please feel free to spread the word so we can get as many people down to Penlee to pay our respect to Alfie.
R.I.P Alfie. We'll never forget you."
Everyone at Penzance AFC is heart-broken by the loss and sends condolences to Alfie's family and friends.
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