Last Sunday Darlaston opened their gates, so as two local youth teams, Wednesfield and Lane Head could pay their respects to local lad 17-year-old Farley Kidner who was sadly passed away in his sleep, less than 10 weeks ago.

Farley’s untimely and early demise shook the local community. Farley was a student at Walsall Academy having left Coppice Performing Arts in Wednesfield last summer at the age of 16. His friends rallied and over a very short time, floral tributes were left outside the gates at Coppice Performing Arts containing photographs and hand-written messages. The school organised with Farley’s family, a tribute to remember his very short life, in the form of releasing 100 blue balloons, Riley, Farley’s brother was the first to release a balloon.

Farley’s family have set up a charitable organisation called Farley’s World in his memory and the local community and also a large number of friends, not only in personal and school life and also the local Youth Football world have responded and been extremely generous in their donations.

Football had been a large and important part of Farley’s life for many years having played initially for Lane Head Spartans under the management and coaching of Lee Jackson and then moving to play for Wednesfield

When asked about how the day came about Darlaston’s Vice Chairman Garry Hale said “Lee approached me only last month asking the question if it was possible to play the game at The Paycare Ground. From a Club perspective it was an absolute ‘no-brainer’ as several of us, including myself have been part of the Lane Head and of course, running at a team at a very similar age group to Farley, he was well-known to myself and members of my team”.

Garry added “We as a Club offered the best solution which was to use the first team pitch and changing rooms and to give the spectators the best opportunity of watching the game and being involved in the day. We basically handed over the ground and facilities to the Organisers and we managed the bar and kitchen area. The day was a great success and Darlaston will be making a donation to the charity in the coming days to help their endeavour’s.”

All proceeds for the day were to go to Farley’s World the charity set up in his honour by his parents, with a ground of between 300/400 people consisting of family, friends and football supporters who took great interest in the game between two sides of fairly equal ability with Lane Head Spartans coming out on top, although the result was not important.

The weather could not have been better and the support of the local community of all ages was nothing but outstanding.

Following the event, Darlaston Town Chairman Neil Chambers said “We were delighted to play our part in hosting the event. The whole day could not have gone any better. The weather was excellent, and the love shown to Farley and his family by both teams and every spectator was wonderful to see. A community coming together to support their own.

It was evident that Farley was a very popular, special young man and was highly respected by his friends and peers. The match was played with tremendous goodwill and spirit, and everyone involved in the day and within the Paycare Ground played a perfect tribute to Farley. No parent wants to find themselves in the position of Farley’s parents, but, through the hard work of the family and his friends and the creation of Farley’s World, Farley Kidner’s memory will last and live on for a very long time.

Button Oak Photography was on hand to take photographs of the day and they can be seen by clicking Farley's World Album

Darlaston Town would like to thank everybody that attended the day and would like to wish Farley’s family the very best in their future endeavours with Farley’s World.