Tributes pour in after Liverpool Under 9 academy player Packer dies following brave battle with cancer
Liverpool have announced that Stephen Packer, a talented young player in the clubâs Academy U9 team, passed away on Sunday evening following a brave battle with cancer.
After the tragic news was announced on Liverpoolâs official website, midfielder Lucas Leiva tweeted: âRIP Stephen. Youâre with the angels now. #sad #mourning. God bless youâ alongside a picture of him with the boy.
Academy director Frank McParland said: âEverybody at the club has been deeply shocked and saddened by Stevieâs passing.
Tragic: Lucas Leiva (right) posted this image on Instagram posing with Stephen Packer (left), who died after a battle with cancerâHe was very highly thought of by everyone he came into contact with. He was a really happy kid and always had a smile on his face.
âNot only that, but Stevie was a really talented young footballer. He was the best athlete within his group and very speedy.
âStevie is going to be really missed by everyone here and weâd all like to offer his family and friends our condolences.'
A club statement read: âLiverpool Football Club are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of the clubâs Academy U9 players, Stephen Packer.
'Stephen passed away on Sunday evening following an incredibly brave battle with cancer.
Promising: Liverpool Football Club announced the death of Stephen, who was a talented young footballer'The youngster, a huge Liverpool fan, made a big impression on everyone he encountered at the Academy due to his happy nature and willingness to learn.
'Stephen was very highly thought of among the coaches and during his short time at the Academy, had demonstrated he possessed the skills to develop into a very talented young footballer.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2239352/Liverpool-U9-academy-player-Stephen-Packer-dies-battle-cancer.html?ito=feeds-newsxmlTragic news. My prayers and condolences are with his family. We've lost someone special here.
R.I.P. Stephen You'll Never Walk Alone