Southport FC Honors Victims with Emotional Tribute

Southport manager Jim Bentley reflected on the emotional impact of visiting the police cordon after a tragic knife attack on 29 July. The attack, which occurred less than a mile from Southport Football Club, claimed the lives of six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar while injuring eight other girls and two adults.

The scene filled with teddy bears, balloons and flowers, deeply moved Bentley, especially knowing that many of his players are parents. In response, Southport FC opened its Big Help Stadium as a refuge for the community affected by the attack. Supporters rallied to clean up the town, raise funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and lay flowers at the scene.

Meanwhile, Bentley and his team paid their respects by visiting the police cordon. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised the club’s role in community support, and the club’s chairman, Peter Mitchell, emphasized that Southport FC would continue to support the community. The attack, which profoundly shook the close-knit town, disrupted what should have been a joyful start to the school holidays.

Local residents, including lifelong Southport FC fans Rob and Julia Urwin experienced profound shock and grief. Consequently, the football club became a focal point for support with the Samaritans and Victim Care Merseyside setting up temporary bases at the stadium. Although a scheduled pre-season match was canceled out of respect, Southport FC held a friendly against FC United of Manchester five days later.

This match aimed to bring the community together, honor the victims, and support the affected families. Ultimately, the game which Southport won 2-1, featured Taylor Swift songs and a tribute to the victims, raising £5,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. The emotional tribute, “Fly high three beautiful butterflies,” resonated deeply with those in attendance.