Sunday league football clubs to pay tribute to boy killed by lightning strike

More than 80 Sunday league football clubs will pay tribute to the nine-year-old boy who was killed by a lightning strike.

Jordan Banks was playing football in a field in Blackpool on Tuesday when he was killed by a lightning bolt.

All the teams in the Lancashire Sunday League will hold a minute’s silence before playing their morning matches.

Sunday footballers from more than 80 teams are due to pay tribute to a nine-year-old boy who died after being struck by lightning.

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Jordan Banks was playing football in a field in Blackpool when he was hit by the lightning bolt at 5pm on Tuesday evening.

All teams in the Lancashire Sunday League will observe a minute's silence before kickoff for their morning matches.

A procession of cars and trucks will then take place along Blackpool Promenade at 3pm.

It comes after Liverpool players wore shirts bearing his name ahead of their match against Manchester United on Thursday.

Jordan, who supported Liverpool F.C., was taken to hospital on Tuesday afternoon with serious injuries after being hit by lightning but died a short time later.

In a Facebook post shared by a family friend, his father, Matt Banks, wrote that his son was, “the most amazing little person he had the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone”.

He also revealed that his son's organs had been donated to three children.

Meanwhile, pictures show flowers, footballs, football shirts and messages of condolence left at the playing field in Common Edge Road.

Watch: Tributes paid to nine-year-old struck by lightning

Online, people have also been posting nine football emojis and the hashtag #RIPLittleMan to pay tribute to Jordan.

Jordan also played for Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club, who described him as "a strong, determined and courageous young man, who will be missed by everyone.”

The flag at Blackpool Town Hall was flown at half-mast in tribute to Jordan.

The England football team has also paid tribute to Jordan, describing what happened as "so sad".

It tweeted: "We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Jordan Banks's family and all those affected by this terrible tragedy."

Police in Blackpool said the youngster had "touched the hearts" of officers in the town during lockdown in January when he placed sweets and chocolates on cars to cheer them up.

A post on the Blackpool Police Facebook page said: "We are eternally grateful to him for the care he showed us during challenging times throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

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"Jordan's actions touched the hearts of our officers and we will always remember his kindness."

Jordan was taken to hospital after he was injured while on the football fields on School Road, but died a short time later.

In a statement released by Lancashire Police, Jordan's family said: "We lost the brightest star our beautiful boy Jordan.

"His laugh, that infectious smile, golden curls, he was our everything.

"Wise beyond his years, caring, considerate, generous and so loving. Our love is endless. Goodnight beautiful boy."

Watch: Boy who died after being 'struck by lightning' was organ donor to three children