Harris Thompson (1999-2019)

It is with deep sadness that former Thackley Juniors player Harris has passed away after a short illness. He was 20 years old.

Harris joined our club in September 2011 as an aspiring 11 year old and became an integral part of the Thackley Thunder team coached by Stuart Greaves and later assisted by Harris’ dad Steve.

Harris was, despite his smaller frame, a solid centre half who was strong in the tackle, dominant in the air and played with a consistency that made him very dependable. Harris’ leadership and the example he set saw him captain the team throughout his 6 years at the club and led them to regular league and cup success. In 2016, Harris helped the team to reach the coveted County Cup final but unfortunately suffered a serious knee injury in the Semi-Final win.

Harris had also previously suffered serious illness which sidelined him for almost a year. Both setbacks proved significant personal challenges for him and recovering on both occasions to play again showed character, strength and determination. During the periods he could not play Harris continued to remain part of the group, supporting and encouraging from the sidelines and dugouts, a reflection of his support and commitment to friends and team mates.

His contribution and value to the team during those 6 years was acknowledged and recognised by his team mates and coaches winning several player of the year awards.

In all his time at our club, Harris was a credit to himself, his team and Thackley Juniors football club. He will be hugely missed by everyone who knew him and Steve and Tara and his family must be very proud of their young man.

It was a pleasure to have Harris as a member of our football club.