Tributes have poured in from the football community after the tragic death of Binfield FC player Christian Rowe.
The 19-year-old died after a road traffic accident.
The promising young footballer played for Slough Town FC, Binfield FC, Academy 23, and also previously represented Swindon Town’s academy.
Rowe joined Binfield on loan from Slough and played in a County Cup match at Long Crendon as recently as last week.
A statement released by Binfield FC reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we write to all our football friends, players, managers, members and volunteers to share the devastating news that one of our current first team players, Christian Rowe, has sadly passed away while travelling home after our Berks & Bucks County Cup fixture on Wednesday evening this week.
“Christian had only recently joined up with our first team and represented the club five times. He was a hugely talented player and quickly earned the respect of his fellow players, fans and our management team here at Binfield FC.
“We were grateful to his home club Slough Town FC, who loaned Christian until the end of the season so that he could get experience playing with our talented first team. Impressing all at Slough Town, his club were keen to maximise his development by encouraging this talented young player to get some quality game time in a senior playing environment before they themselves introduced him into their own senior side at a higher level.
“A 19-year-old young man, Christian had quickly established himself as an extremely popular and capable member of our first team here at Binfield FC.
“We are all devastated by the news of his passing and we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Christian’s family, friends, Slough Town FC and all that knew him. A wonderful talent and popular young man, we will always hold a special memory of Christian here at Binfield FC.”
As a mark of respect, the team postponed its Isthmian league fixture against Staines Town, which had been due to take place on Saturday, January 22. The club held a minute’s silence for Christian all youth fixture over the weekend, including its soccer school on Sunday morning with Reception and Infant Soccer School players.
The statement ends: “Our thoughts are with all of Christian’s family and loved ones at this difficult and hugely painful time. Sending you all our love and thoughts. Binfield Football Club.”