Joel Richards: Fund to help youngsters launched in memory of Tunisia terror victim

The Joel Richards Legacy Fund will support young players, referees and coaches hoping to have a future in the game.

Joel, who lived in Wednesbury, was a referee and was tipped to have a big future in the game before tragedy struck. He was killed alongside his uncle Adrian Evans and grandfather Patrick Evans in the Tunisia beach attack in June 2015.

The fund was launched by the Birmingham County FA - where Joel also served as chairman of the Youth Council - on Sunday to coincide with what would have been Joel's 21st birthday on Wednesday.

A day of events was held to mark the occasion at the County FA headquarters in Great Barr, culminating in a football match featuring Joel's younger brother Owen, who survived the attack.

Proud mother Suzy Richards, who lost her son, brother and father, was watching on from the sidelines.

She said: "It was lovely. There were so many people there, friends from the Referees' Association and the Youth Council. His school friends and family all came along, as well as Owen who was playing.

"It will work as a bursary for young males or females who want to get into football or refereeing and help to pay for things like exams, kit or any trips they have to do because it can be quite expensive."

More than £500 was raised from the football match, while Joel's former school Stuart Bathurst High in Wednesbury has donated £900 to the cause.

Suzy said: "It is the perfect tribute to Joel, he would have loved the fact it was being done in his name.

"It was what Joel was all about. He set up the Youth Council and was all about supporting getting young people into sport.

"Now there is going to be a legacy fund, in a way it is like Joel is still helping. I want to thank the Birmingham FA for setting this up."

Kirsty Dixon, chair of Birmingham FA's Youth Council, said: "Joel was an amazing role model, inspiring young people throughout all areas of football, refereeing, coaching and volunteering. Joel dedicated his time to support as many people as possible, and always knew how to put a smile on your face.

"His legacy will continue through the many awards in his name, and now the Joel Richards Legacy Fund. We hope to continue the support he personally provided through the fund, which will benefit many – especially those who need some support to kick-start or help them on their own football journey."