Friends and family launch grantmaking charity in memory of footballer Jordan Sinnott
Melanie May | 25 January 2022 | News
Two years on from the death of Matlock FC footballer, Jordan Sinnott, the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust has launched in his memory.
Simnott died, aged 25 years, after being fatally injured in Retford, Nottinghamshire, on 25 January 2020.
The Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust achieved status as a registered charity in late December 2021 and aims to support small grassroots clubs through grants of up to £5,000 to pay for equipment, transport and kit to help engage vulnerable or disadvantaged people with sport. Children and young adults facing barriers, including young carers, can apply for individual grants up to £2,000 to help them participate in sport. More information on how to apply for funding can be found here.
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The creation of the charity builds on the support seen following Jordan’s death, with football clubs in the UK and overseas sending in football shirts bearing “Sinnott 25” for distribution to grassroots sports clubs in the UK and overseas.
Jordan Sinnott. All images copyright Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust 
Jordan Sinnott on the pitch 
Jordan Sinnott’s fiancee Kelly & daughter Maisie
Three of Jordan’s closest friends: Middlesbrough FC player Matt Crooks; retired professional football player, Jonathan Stead and Danny Ward, Huddersfield Town FC player have become Trustees of the charity and are working closely with Jordan’s mum, Melanie Tait, to raise funds to help award to clubs and projects which will enable those facing barriers to participate in sport.
To kickstart the fundraising drive, the charity is raffling off a special JSFT Official shirt which bears the number 25 on the back – Jordan’s age and the date in January 2020 when he died. It has also been designed by Danny Ward and signed by the charity’s Patron and former premier league footballer Ian Wright, MBE. Tickets are available to purchase via the charity’s website, and the raffle closes on Tuesday 1 February at 9pm.
Leeds Powerchair Football Club was one of the charity’s first benefitting organisations, receiving a grant of £5,000 to purchase a bespoke sports powerchair which will enable more disabled players to participate in this increasingly popular sport.
Paul Gorman, Leeds Powerchair Football Club, said:
“We are hugely grateful to the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust for the funding. This new bespoke powerchair will help those who can’t afford to purchase their own chair to participate in games and training sessions. It will also enable us to offer taster days for those who are keen to try out the sport.
“Leeds Powerchair Football Club is committed to enabling people to fulfil their whole potential. Every little bit of funding helps up to continue offering this enriching sporting opportunity to young children, teenagers and adults who might otherwise miss out.”
A programme of fundraising events and activities is planned for 2022 to help further the charity’s work, including the first Annual Ball which will take place at The Queens Hotel, Leeds, on Saturday 11 June.
Melanie Tait, Jordan’s mum and Chair of the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust said:
“Jordan had an infectious smile and ability to make people laugh. He was just the kindest person who would always go above and beyond to help anybody in need.
“Jord’s values and love of sport are at the heart of the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust – helping to remove barriers that people may face to participating in sport. Sport brought so much to Jordan’s life and we hope that our charity can do the same for others who may not be as fortunate.
“Having Jordan in our hearts has motivated us to set up the charity in his name and to help as many people as we can.”
About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.