Today we Paid our respects and said farewell for now to our u15s keeper Luca Campanaro. The church was as full as I have ever seen a venue. The colours of yellow and blue were on display as well as neighbouring team colours. The black dress code that is usually accustomed to a funeral went out the window as the crowd was encouraged to dress casual and comfy. The music was also a breath of fresh air with the traditional ‘Amazing Grace’ sharing the playlist with Post Malone and Whiz Kalifa, all these factors making the occasion a little easier to deal with. A parade of Luca’s favourite items, readings from close friends and emotional but inspirational speeches from both of Lucas parents gave the feeling that Luca would have approved and had put his own twist on the occasion.

This has been a very surreal and tough time for our club and we can only imagine how hard this has been for The family. We have been amazed with the amount of support and good wishes that have come our way and have passed them all on to Amo and the family.

After speaking to Amo (Luca’s dad) on the day of the tragedy, and every time since then I have been amazed by his strength and positivity. This has helped us as a club to try and spread the same message and use his and the families strength as our blueprint moving forward, as it is something we as a club have never experienced and hopefully never will again.

Today felt like a celebration. There were times the congregation laughed about stories of a 5 years old Luca accusing an Italian man of taking his ball on a beach (the same ball that lots of people had bought), and times we did our best to hold back tears as his mum spoke of her beloved gentle giant.

As a club we will remember and honour him forever. Our Bedgrove Dynamos family said goodbye today to a lad who clearly touched so many peoples hearts and was a credit to his family. In his short life he has made a huge impact, his last act of wanting to be an organ donor helping to save lives sums him up.

In losing one of our young Dynamos, we have witnessed something quite amazing in our club and community. His name will live on in our club and In our hearts. Gone but certainly not forgotten.

Fly high young man. Forever a Dynamo.

Mike Borrett Chairman.