Tournament in memory of sportsman killed in “one punch attack”

A charity football tournament is being held in memory of Ross Wood. Mum Sam Taylor is pictured skaking hands with Kick Off owner Jamil Baig.

Friends and family of Ross Wood are holding the event on December 5, 11am, at Kick Off in Mill Street East, Dewsbury, following the eight-year anniversary of his death.

Ross’s mum Sam Taylor 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 seven, 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.”

Leeds Crown Court heard in 2008 that Ross was celebrating a birthday with friends on November 17, 2007, when he was punched outside a club by a teenager in an unprovoked attack.

The single blow knocked 22-year-old Ross backwards and he hit his head on the ledge of a shop window and the pavement where he fell.

He sustained serious head injuries and died two days later in Leeds General Infirmary despite the best efforts of medical staff.

The chosen charity this year is the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for children suffering the effects of cancer treatment.

Previous fundraising efforts by Ross’s friends and family have included a five-a-side tournament at Mirfield Cricket Club, a pub fun day and, in 2011, Ross’s name was stitched into the all the shirt sleeves of the Mirfield Town FC kit.