FORMER Rochdale FC academy player Ellis Robinson has died aged 26.
Tributes poured in for the late footballer, with his ex-club Rochdale saying on X: “Rochdale football
Club is saddened to learn of the passing of our former academy player, Ellis Robinson.
“Ellis suffered serious spinal and neck injuries in 2016, following a freak accident while playing the sport that he loved.”
The club pointed to a gofundme
account set up by one of his pals.
“All of our thoughts are with Ellis’ family and friends at this sad time,” they added.
The tragic academy star suffered a serious spinal injury when he was just 17 after a player fell on top of him during a five-a-side match.
The teen, from Oldham, Gtr manchester
lost all feeling below his chest and later fought to regain full movement in his legs following the devastating ordeal.
He underwent eight hours of surgery to repair his vertebrae damaged in the freak accident.
The fundraiser set up for Ellis said: “In the loving memory of Ellis Robinson.
Even though life dealt him the toughest cards in life Ellis and everyone around him made sure to make the most of the lifetime we were given together with him.
The page, set up by Ellis’ mate, added: “Ellis made sure to bring everyone happiness and laughter, he was also the best son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, great grandson and cousin anybody could ever want.
He loved to go on his own little adventures without telling anyone as he felt he didn’t need to. He really fought a fight like a Viking he always said he was.”
Ryley Shaw, who organised the fund, also promised to fight a white-collar boxing
match in honour of the “true legend”.
Paying respects to the gifted player, Ryley also said: “Ellis is a local lad and is my friend’s brother, as many know he suffered a football injury 9 years ago and he was paralysed from his neck.
“He’s been poorly a lot over the years and more so recently. Such a great Guy to be around. He touched so many of us.”
He added that all donations raised in Ellis’s memory would “help towards his send off”.
In 2016, his mum Lisa Robinson said after the accident: “Ellis has had a tough time since his footballing accident in February and although we haven’t been told if Ellis will or will not walk again, with the love and support we will remain focused and positive until Ellis is back on his feet.”
Ellis, who lived with his mum and younger brother Oliver was a promising young star who was on Rochdale’s books until around 2015.
He then went on to begin studying Sport at Oldham College.
His family made a series of fundraising efforts under the banner Team Ellis for the youngster’s rehabilitation.
They raised thousands through activities such as a benefit night, a charity football match, as well as a sponsored bike-a-thon in Rochdale.