In January 2020, the footballing world and wider community were rocked by the news that non-league footballer Jordan Sinnott had lost his life. The Matlock Town midfielder was subject of an assault in Retford Town Centre, during which he received fractured skull, and he passed away shortly after being admitted to hospital.
At the time, Jordan was playing for Matlock Town, a team based in Derbyshire that plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. He started out his football career in the youth ranks at Huddersfield Town, playing alongside Matt Crooks, Alex Smithies and Duane Holmes – now playing at Rotherham United, Cardiff City and Derby County respectively – three individuals who have played a key part in the fund-raising efforts for Jordan since his death earlier this year. After a spell in the youth at Huddersfield Town, he signed a professional contract with the club in 2012, before going on to make his professional debut for the club in a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup against Leicester City.
During his time at Huddersfield Town, he went on loan to non-league side Altrincham – playing under his dad Lee who was manager at the time – and League Two Bury. During 2015, after an eight year spell at Huddersfield Town, Jordan decided to leave the club to join his dad at Altrincham on a permanent basis, dropping down to ply his trade in non-league football, a level below what Jordan’s undoubted quality deserved. Nevertheless, he went on to be a key figure in the Altrincham side, before leaving the side at the end of the 2015/16 season along with his father Lee.
After leaving Altrincham, Jordan signed for fellow non-league side FC Halifax Town, who were playing in the league above, and he went on to play 35 times – scoring 7 goals – before leaving them at the end of the season. Similar one-season spells followed at Chesterfield and Alfreton Town, before he dropped down a division to sign for Matlock Town. It was at this club that he finished his playing career, with it being cut short because of a gut-wrenching incident at the start of this year that left him fighting for his life in hospital. Matlock Town and former side Alfreton Town both postponed their respective league matches that day in honor of and in sheer shock at the news that had broken about Jordan. He later passed away in hospital after a short battle from a severe head injury.
All of his friends and family, and the wider footballing community and indeed the general public were understandably shook by this news, as non-league football lost one of its finest players and personalities.
The Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust have provided us with a eulogy for Jordan.
“Initially, the Jordan shirts campaign was a small one, an idea from his family sat around his kitchen table in his and his fiancées home to get the shirts of the clubs he played for hanging up somewhere at his funeral. They then thought of the idea of getting a few other clubs with the SINNOTT 25 emblazoned on the back. Quickly, a WhatsApp group chat was set-up with family and friends, and within 24 hours the whole of the Football League had pledged to send a shirt to be hung up at his funeral, then donated to others at home and overseas in less fortunate positions than ourselves. Social media was incredible, and played a huge part in the success we had with the campaign. His brother Tom and other family members did radio and TV interviews, and it quickly spiraled into something we never thought was possible. We had football shirts from all over the world, from the biggest clubs in the world to the smallest grassroot community clubs.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have been able to as of yet donate the shirts to the respective charities chosen, Sport Relief being the main one. It will be a heart-warming moment when we are finally able to do so, bringing smiles and joy to peoples faces and lives through these shirts with his name on the back. Jordan, although no longer with us, is still making people smile, something he was so good at while with us. It was a truly moving and emotional scene as they were strung overhead everybody at Valley Parade. The official count at the funeral was 826 shirts coming from 29 different countries from all continents. The shirts weren’t just football, with shirts being donated from six other sports too. If they were laid next to each other, they would add up to be 3/4 of a mile long. However, these numbers are probably miles off now, as we are still having shirts delivered to us and the figure is probably more close to the 1000 mark, if not more.
People have been busy behind the scenes, and The Jordan Sinnott Trust Foundation is in its early stages of becoming an established charity. The aim is to continue raising as much money as possible in Jordan’s name for causes Jordan was passionate about. These include supporting those who are homeless or rough sleeping, and helping young people from disadvantaged backgrounds access sport. It also aims to raise awareness around brain injuries and the use of violence/force, in particular hoping to educate young people so other families don’t have to go through the pain that Jordan’s family have felt.
Fundraising has already begun, and different challenges and events have been undertaken, even through the challenging times that we are currently faced with. We are looking forward to getting the ball rolling when life becomes slightly more normal once more. Watch out for the events and campaigns which are in the pipeline.
His footballing ability spoke for itself, a natural technician of the game who could have easily played at a higher level.
Most importantly, though, the person he was is how everybody should remember him. Jordan was an absolutely top class human being, a man that had no bad bone in his body, and anyone who has had the pleasure of being in his company can attest to that. He was the life and soul of any party, an infectious character for a zest for life and a smile to beam through the darkest of days. He was a warm, funny and handsome fella, who will be sorely missed by many. This is why the trust has been set-up, so he will never be forgotten and that his name will be honored in the way he so richly deserves. We look forward to the day a “SINNOTT 25″ shirt pops up in the most unlikely of places.”
Jordan will without a doubt continue to be loved and missed, and our heartfelt thoughts go to all of Jordan’s close friends and family. Keep an eye out for all upcoming fund-raising efforts for Jordan, as there are certainly lots lined up, and it would be great to see as much support as possible for him and the causes they support. If you want to go and donate to The Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust, then follow the link below. They are well on their way to raising the £10,000 target to help underprivileged children through sports projects with Sports Relief, already raising over £8000. All donations would be greatly appreciated by the foundation.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sonia-cookson
Off The Line Blog 
Leave a comment