Sam Harding, 20, from Stockport, was hit by an Audi S3 at an event in an industrial area in Warrington on Sunday night. A 21-year-old man from Morley, Leeds, was arrested on the spot on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Sam, a midfielder, played football outside the league with FC United, Runcorn Linnets, Glossop North End and Ashton Athletic among others and also represented England Schooboys.
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Jimmy White, president of Aston Athletic in Wigan, said: “Aston Athletic is devastated to hear the news of the death of 2021/22 first team player Sam Harding. Sam has only been at our club for one season and was a huge factor in improved form since his arrival.
“He is a quiet, well-mannered young man and will be greatly missed by everyone at the club. All our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this great time.”
FC United academy director Tom Conroy said: “I worked with Sam at our academy for two years, in which he showed that he was a very good central midfielder playing week after week for the youth team, before finally training and doing appearances for our first team. Technically Sam was one of the best academy players we have ever had, and this proved to be the case when he was successful in testing students in England, winning entries for his country.
Semi-professional footballer dies after car crash Sunday night
“He was a very kind child and he was happy to coach. Not only did his football skills shine, but his demeanor, pace and professionalism on and off the pitch were always exemplary and he was a great role model for his peers. Sam seems quite quiet in and around the kids, however it was clear that he was a very popular and beloved boy in the academy with his teammates and staff at FC United.
“Sam always refers to the future players of the academy as a perfect example of the type of player we want in the club not only in terms of level of football ability but also the type of person he was – polite, polite, hard working and professional. I will miss him sadly and I would like to convey my love and condolences to Sam’s family. “
Runcorn Linnets FC said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that Sam Harding unfortunately lost his life in a car accident yesterday. Sam made some appearances for the club at the beginning of the season. We would like to offer our condolences to Sam’s family and friends. “
Sam was a member of the FC United of Manchester academy before graduating from the first team
Prescot Cables FC said: “The club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sam Harding, who was killed in a car accident last night. Sam made many appearances for Prescot Cables during the 2019-2020 season. Our thoughts he’s with his friends, his former teammates and his family right now. RIP Sam. “
Sam also represented the England Schoolboys at the under-18 level. In 2019 he appeared in a special digital set of Panini stickers of the England Schoolboys team.
Sam appeared on a special edition Panini sticker set while playing for the England Schoolboys
In a tribute released earlier, Sam’s family said: “Our beautiful son was tragically removed from us on Sunday, April 10, 2022. A much-loved son, brother, grandson, niece and friend to many. We will never forget you Sam and we will love you forever. “Rest in peace my sweet angel, love mom, dad and Amy xx.”
Police are calling for witnesses and videos from the incident that took place around 9.40pm in Kingsland Grange. They say that a “large number” of people were at the car meeting – events where large numbers of car lovers gathered.
Capt. Simon Degg, of the Cheshire Police Serious and Complicated Investigation Unit, said: “Investigations into this incident are in the early stages and we are committed to doing what we can to determine what happened. We know there was a large number of people who were present at the “car meeting” and as part of our research we would like to hear witnesses to the collision.
“The same goes for anyone who has a video of the incident – both of the conflict itself and before and after the incident. I will urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information or videos that may assist in the investigation is kindly requested to contact Cheshire Police here or at 101, citing IML 1242714.
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