THE FAMILY of Daniel Kennell who was stabbed to death in Coventry has launched an anniversary football tournament in his memory.
Mr Kennell, aged 27, was murdered by his ‘friend’ Ryan Preston outside his home in St Austell Road, Wyken, on July 8 last year.
His loving family – including his four sisters and mum, Mandy – have established the Daniel Kennell Foundation to raise money in his honour.
They intend it to keep his memory alive, educate others on the dangers of carrying knives and provide support to stab victims and their families.
The foundation’s 6-a-side tournament – which would become an annual event – will be on July 6 at Pinley Rugby Football Club, in Wyken Croft, from 12pm.
His sister Natalie Kennell told us that Daniel had an unrelenting passion for football, and played for Wyken FC for many years.
His former teammates organised a charity match last year in the wake of his death and raised more than £3,000 in his honour.
Natalie said: “Last year, we couldn’t believe the support and the turn out.
“Football was a massive part of Daniel’s life and Wyken FC was a real family team. We would all go to the matches.
“And we (his sisters) all played football as well so it was a massive, massive thing for our family.
“All the lads he played with would look up to Danny and say how they would like to have played like him.
“He was a brilliant footballer. Some people used to say he was the next Beckham!
“What’s really nice is that all the people we used to play with when we were kids have all signed up to play in the tournament.
“Football can get kids off the streets and give them something to look forward to and be part of.”
She said nearly 20 teams of 10 players have already signed up – with more than a hundred spectators expected to show support.
As it grows, the foundation will be calling for more weapons amnesties in the city while also starting initiatives for young people to get into football and stay away from gangs.
A spokesperson from the foundation said: “We have now made the Daniel Kennell Foundation charity football tournament public, which will be happening one year since Daniel was unjustifiably taken from us.
“We are now in the process of organising a fun-filled, action packed day for everyone to enjoy! If anyone has any ideas, donations of raffle/tombola prizes or even people willing to volunteer their time.
“In advance we hope to see you all there to take part and contribute to it being a fun-filled event, also to remember and celebrate our Daniel who was so tragically and unfairly taken from us.”
For more information go to: www.facebook.com/TheDanielKennellFoundation/
