It's a fitting football tribute to much-loved Joe

Friends and team-mates of Joe Sharpe - the University of Chichester student who died suddenly - gathered at the Bishop Otter campus sports field to pay a fitting footballing tribute to him.
Players at the Joe Sharpe memorial match / Picture by Kate ShemiltPlayers at the Joe Sharpe memorial match / Picture by Kate Shemilt
Players at the Joe Sharpe memorial match / Picture by Kate Shemilt

Right from the very start, the pitch on which Joe played on many times during his WSIHE career was bathed in sunlight.

The game saw a thrilling contest between a WSIHE select side and a team Joe’s course-mates and football coaching and performance colleagues, which the WSIHE select team edged.

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The Chichester Uni ladies’ football team also honoured Joe with a game during half-time against Chi City, the club where Joe was a coach.

Luke Sheavyn, president of the men’s football team, said: “The day was everything Sharpie was about – fun, passion, togetherness, enjoyment and, most important, love. He was one heck of a person and everyone misses him dearly.”

Daniel Potter, programme leader of the BSc football coaching and performance degree, said: “We wanted a special way in which we could remember the cheeky life of Joe Sharpe, and that’s what we got – it was a great chance for all of us to say goodbye doing what Joe loved best, playing football.”

The day saw a massive turnout from the community of Chichester, with many friends of Joe wanting to show their respects and celebrate his life.

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Supporters were able to go away with their own JS2 wristbands made especially for the day. All proceeds raised from the day will go the newly set-up Joe Sharpe Fund.

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