Football community praised for response to Ringmer defender's awful injury

The 20-year-old full-back is facing months out of action after he was seriously hurt midway through the first half of last Saturday’s SCFL Division 1 game.

It was immediately evident how serious the injury was but fantastic work from Ringmer physio Lydia Fellows and Whiteoak's teammates and coaches ensured he was in good hands while waiting for paramedics.

The match was abandoned as Ty was treated and then taken to hospital.

As Ringmer’s staff, players and fans came to terms with the incident, a fundraising page was launched to support Ty – mainly because he will be unable to continue his work as a self-employed bricklayer, possibly for several months.

By Thursday morning the page had brought in just over £3,100 – with more donations welcome at https://www.gofundme.com/f/tyriece-whiteoak

All at the ground on Saturday were incredibly grateful to the South East Coast Ambulance Service for their prompt attention to the injury, and all their expertise and care once on site.

The club added: “Everyone at Ringmer AFC sends their best wishes to Ty and his family as his recovery begins.”

Frist-team Blues manager Tommy Haddon gave an update in midweek, saying Ty was home from hospital at present and being looked after by his family.

Haddon said Ty and the club were overwhelmed by the volume of messages he had received wishing him a speedy recovery.

"His knee is fully in a brace and he’s in good spirits,” said Haddon. "There’s been lots of support from the lads rallying round.

"There’s a long journey ahead to get back to what he wants to be doing but he’s a strong lad. The support from everybody – and from the football community – has been fantastic.”

A new date will be found for the fixture.

Ringmer, 13th in the table, resume their programme tomorrow at home to Selsey.