Sir Bobby's tribute to tragic football lad

Kyle Munday, a devoted Newcastle fan and North Lancing First and Middle School pupil, died at Worthing Hospital last Wednesday following an infection.

His parents, Andy and Sophie, said that among the many cards they had received was a letter of condolence from former England manager Sir Bobby.

Mr and Mrs Munday said their son had been a member of Newcastle's Junior Magpies for years and several players had sent him their autographs when he was in hospital with appendicitis before Christmas.

Mrs Munday said her son was a popular member of the Adur Athletic Club under-11s team in Shoreham, adding: "Football was his passion. He was the top striker, although he would do anything to get the team through.

"He was the top goal scorer last year, scoring on average a goal a game."

Mrs Munday said her son had attended the John Robinson Soccer School in Lancing every summer and also ran cross-country and played in his school's tag rugby team. He also excelled at maths. The couple also have a daughter, Kayleigh, aged eight.

Mr Munday said: "He was just happy-go-lucky: nothing ever worried him."

North Lancing head teacher Jim Pearson wrote in a letter to parents: "Kyle was a delightful boy who was a model son and pupil. He was an excellent sportsman and had a wonderfully positive and determined attitude to everything he did.

"His friendly, caring nature made him very popular and he will be greatly missed by everyone at the school."

Adur Athletic Club secretary, David Fickweiler, said: "Our sympathies and thoughts are with the family."

Kyle's funeral is on Thursday, April 17, his 11th birthday, at 2pm in St James the Less Church, North Lancing, followed by committal at the Lancing and Sompting cemetery.