Father's moving tribute after son, 14, dies in collision on pitch

The family of a school football captain who died after a goalmouth collision lost his life with his “14 brothers” around him.

Luca Campanaro, who played for Bedgrove Dynamos youth side, died in hospital yesterday 24 hours after being knocked unconscious during the cup match in Aylesbury.

His father, Americo Campanaro was watching from the sidelines as his goalkeeper son collided with an opponent in the penalty box.

Luca’s grandfather, medically trained in the RAF, rushed onto the pitch to give the 14-year-old first aid.

Mr Campanaro told the Standard: “Luca came out of the area to stop a one-on-one. He couldn’t use his hands so went with his feet and took a hefty knock to the head.

“He has done that challenge 100 times - it was brave of him. But I could tell from his reaction straight away that something was horribly wrong.

“It was a freak accident. I feel sorry for all the boys playing on that pitch who had to witness it. He has 14 brothers in his teammates who are all distraught.”

Luca, who had trained with Wycombe Wanderers youth team, was hit under the chin by the striker’s knee and was knocked unconscious.

The Mandeville School student was rushed to Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel by air ambulance.

Mr Campanaro described his son as “an angel” and urged people to “smile and remember him”.

He is planning a balloon release in his son’s memory at Bedgrove Park where he regularly played.

He said: “My boy is with the angels now, smile and remember him everyone, don’t be sad, celebrate his life, stay as strong as my boy was.”

He added: “I couldn’t ask for a better son, he dreamed of being a goalkeeper. He died doing what he loved.

“The support from around the world has been completely overwhelming and has really helped us cope.”

His heartbroken family, including his younger brother Santino, 12, said Christmas this year would be “terrible”.

His grandmother Susan Campanaro, 66, said: “I feel sorry for the boy who did it to him. It’s going to stay with him for the rest of his life too.

“His little brother just idolised him. They did everything together he is really up and down.”

His aunt Francesca added: “He was a fun-loving boy, fit and healthy, he was so strong...he had everything in front of him.”

A JustGiving page for the youngster is raising £10,000 to help the family with funeral costs.

FIn a statement Luca’s football club said it was “devastated” by “the tragic loss of our friend and team mate”.

It added: “Our thoughts are with Luca’s family and loved ones at this distressing time.”