Advertiser renames sports award in memory of murdered Tarleton football coach Michael Jones

Feb 21 2013 by Rob Pattinson, Ormskirk Advertiser

A PRESTIGIOUS sports award is set to be renamed in memory of a Tarleton football coach murdered in New York.

This year’s Advertiser Sports Awards is set to be held on Friday April 19 at Edge Hill University.

And we can today reveal our Coach of The Year trophy is to be renamed the Michael Jones Coach of The Year trophy.

Mr Jones, who played football for both Tarleton Corinthians and Hesketh Bank AFC, was murdered in New York in October. The 25-year-old Edge Hill graduate had been working in the USA as a youth coach for American soccer side New York Red Bulls. On Saturday a memorial six-a-side football tournament was held in Hesketh Bank to celebrate his life, along with a fundraiser that evening.

Mr Jones’ family have now been invited to this year’s Sports Awards to present the Michael Jones Coach of The Year trophy to the winner.

Mr Jones’ father, Perry, told the Advertiser: “We were very surprised to receive such a request to name an award after Michael. But after understanding what the award was for and about, specifically with the award being for a coach in the community, which aligns to what Michael was doing on behalf of Red Bulls in the USA, it was an obvious fit. “Add to that the news the event would take place at Edge Hill University, were Michael had graduated from, we were more than happy to accept the invitation. Michael would himself be very proud to have such an award in his name.”

John Cater, Edge Hill vice chancellor, said: “Michael was an incredibly popular and upbeat student, who was much loved by all who knew him at Edge Hill.

‘‘We followed his successful career with interest, and all who knew him were devastated by his death.

“It is a privilege that the Sports Awards, held at and supported by his university, will acknowledge him and the inspiration he gave to so many.”

The Advertiser is now asking readers to nominate their sporting heroes from West Lancashire over the past year for one of our prizes.

Categories include Sports Personality of the Year; Junior Sports Personality of the Year; Team of the Year; The Michael Jones Coach of the Year award; Junior Team of the Year; Hall of Fame trophy; Sports Student of the Year; disability inclusion and achievement and unsung hero.

For more details – or to nominate someone – email rob. pattinson@trinitymirror.com or speak to Rob on 01704 398253, or complete the form below.