A talented young soccer player died eight years ago this week.

And now family and friends of Ross Wood are hoping to stage a soccer tournament in his memory.

Ross’s mum, Sam Wood, has got together with the men who played the sport with Ross since they were just seven years old to organise the event at a Dewsbury sports centre.

They hope it will keep Ross’s name alive and raise cash for charity.

Ross, 22, was killed after a “one-punch attack” in Mirfield on November 17, 2007.

He was punched by a local youth Kyle Smith, who was just 15 at the time, outside a nightclub in the town centre and died days later when his family made the agonising decision to switch off his life-support machine.

Smith was locked up for 30 months for manslaughter after a court heard he was a membr of the London Park Gang who terrorised people in Mirfield.

Ross had been on a night out celebrating a birthday with friends. He was cornered by the gang as he got out of a taxi.

ross wood
ross wood

The judge said the death of Ross, a popular amateur footballer who was captain of Mirfield Town and who also played for Horbury Town, had left a gaping hole in the hearts and lives of his loved ones.

Sam said: “Ross was a very keen footballer and was playing for Mirfield and Horbury Town when his life was cut short by one punch manslaughter, so we have incorporated football into his memorial.

“The Kick Off centre in Dewsbury have kindly allowed us use of their facilities. For me personally, the community of Mirfield and Ross’ friends have kept us going at some very dark times. He and his friends played football together from the age of 7, so they are a very tight-knit set of lads. They are becoming dads themselves now and they bring their children along.

Ross will never be forgotten and what we all do keeps his memory alive and helps others less fortunate.”

The tournament is at Kick Off in Mill Street East on December 5 and organisers hope 10 teams will take part.

The owner, Jamil Baig, said: “We have given over the venue and also donated a trophy for the Man of the Match.

“This was a tragic event that affected the whole community and we wanted to do something to help”.

The charity this year is The Little Princess Trust which supports children who have had cancer treatment by providing wigs which cost £350 each. Previous charities supported by Ross’ family include Leeds General Infirmary’s neuro intensive care unit, Headway and Kirkwood Hospice.

One-punch victim Ross Wood in Mirfield Town kit