Young Gateshead footballers pay tribute to Tomasz Oleszak

The Tomasz Oleszak Memorial Match was an “in-house” exhibition game between two Under 15s teams from Gateshead Cleveland Hall CA FC.

It was played at Gateshead Stadium in front of a 700-plus crowd which included Tomasz’s Polish parents, Kamila Wisniewska and Patryk Malocha, plus his six-year-old brother Kuba.

Prior to kick-off in an emotional gesture, the captains of the respective teams, Ellis Wales and Shea Ilderton, presented Tomasz’s parents with a special number 15 club shirt in his favourite colour of purple, along with a book of condolence.

A minute’s silence then preceded the kick-off.

Read more: Gateshead incident: Boy, 14, dies after assault at Whitehills Nature Park

Younger players from some of Cleveland Hall’s 26 teams acted as ball boys and staged a half-time drill.

Tearful Ms Wisniewska said: “When we found out about the memorial match for Tomasz and the important message it gives out, we thought it would be a beautiful day to honour Tomasz for which he would also be proud.

“I wish he could be could be here to see how many people have come together for him.

“It shows how much he was thought of by his team, the coaches and everyone coming to watch.

“His tragic death through knife crime has brought everyone together.

“Our world is so cruel and I hope the message comes across from this match.”

Gateshead’s Deputy Mayor, councillor Robert Waugh said: “This has been a very emotional day for everyone involved as Tomasz’s death has had a profound impact on not only those who knew him, but the wider Gateshead community.

“It has been really important that people have had this opportunity to come together to remember Tomasz doing something he loved to do with his friends and teammates.

“However, there’s also an important message that we need to remember, that everyone has a right to feel safe in their local community.

Read more: Gateshead murder investigation: Police briefing after teenager dies

“It’s crucial that we keep talking about the dangers of knife crime, to raise awareness of how devastating it can be and try to prevent a tragedy such as this happening again.

Bob Boustead, club chair at Cleveland Hall CA FC, said Tomasz had been with the club since he was aged seven and described him as, “an industrious midfield player”.

He said: “Today has been a powerful display of the strength of feeling with this tragic event.

“I have been involved in local grass roots football for 50 years and today has reminded me of the power of the sport and of a community coming together when people need to.

“Our thoughts remain with Tomasz’s family and friends at a difficult time.

“As a father and grandfather myself, I can’t begin to comprehend the grief that this tragedy has brought.

“We must continue to work together to ensure that what has happened to Tomasz does not happen to any of our other young people.”

Mr Boustead added that the club continues to work together with its partners to address, “this really serious issue in our society.”

Kim McGuinness, Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, who was at the game, said: “My thoughts remain with Tomasz’s family.

“No family should lose a loved one in such tragic circumstances.”

She said the event highlights the desire in the region to prevent and drive out knife crime.

“Despite the challenging environment our young people are growing up in today we are working tirelessly to prevent serious violence and to give young people the opportunities they deserve.”

Proceeds from the match are to be donated to Tomasz’s family.

The 14-year-old pupil from Cardinal Hume RC School, in Gateshead, died in hospital early on October 4 from injuries suffered in an incident near Whitehills Nature Park, on Springwell Estate, in the town, the previous evening.

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with his murder and a trial date has been set for Newcastle Crown Court on March 21 next year, although the defendant has yet to tender a plea.

Since Tomasz's death another 14-year-old, Gordon Gault, from Newcastle, has also died in hospital from stab wounds, in his case six days after an incident in Sovereign Place, Elswick, in the city on November 9.

Read next:

               Gateshead stabbing: First picture of Tomasz Oleszak, 14, released

               Tomasz Oleszak: Footballers pay tribute to Gateshead teenager

               Tomasz Oleszak murder: Youth accused of killing Gateshead boy doesn't plead

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