Bradley Lewis: Hundreds of people sign up for memorial tournament after tragic death

Hundreds of people have already signed up for a football tournament in memory of Bradley Lewis, a 22-year-old father-of-four who tragically died following an incident at a house in Kingswood last week.

The strength of support for the five-a-side tournament only publicised on Tuesday was a testament to the popularity of the young man, said organiser Steve Camm, who oversaw Mr Lewis’ youth footballing career at Bristol Rovers Supporters’ Junior Football Club from the age of five to 14.

The event will take place at Southey Playing Fields in Kingswood, not far from where Mr Lewis lived in Chipperfield Drive, on Saturday July 16. All the money raised from the day, including from the bar, will go toward Bradley’s four children.

So far, 25 teams have signed up, said Mr Camm who also paid an emotional tribute to the young man. As chairman of Bristol Rovers Supporters’ Junior Club, he watched Mr Lewis progress through the club’s junior teams. Mr Lewis later played for Hanham Athletic Football Club.

Speaking to BristolWorld, he said: “He was one of the niciest kids you could ever meet - sometimes people say that without meaning it, but with Brad it was genuine, he was very placid, amicable and polite...just one of the good guys in life, like his dad.

“He only lived round the corner from where we train and in the summer he would be in the park playing with children, he’d say hello and have a drink. He was part of the club here.

“This week after the news there has been alot of emotion, it has been hard for the people who have been at the club the longest and knew him from him growing up. It has hit us all very hard.”

He added: “I know that everyone I speak to, message and text... everyone wants to support this event, which is a testament to Bradley, it really is.”

As well as the football tournament on the day, Mr Camm said Mr Lewis’ father had requested a plaque be unveiled at the club house at the Kingswood playing fields. A programme will also be published specially for the day.

Mr Camm said: “It is about raising money for his kids - giving something so that they don’t have to worry about Christmas, or a holiday.”

The tournament costs £30 per team, which are allowed three substitutes. Closing date for entries is June 26. To sign up, email [email protected].

The event coincides with other fundraising efforts in the community. A Brad Lewis Testimonial Match, arranged by his former junior manager Nick Brown, will be played at Hallen FC on April 24, as well as game between Oldland XI and Made Forever XI at Atichison Playing Field at Oldland Common on April 10.

There is also a go fund me page to raise money for his funeral has raised almost £7,000.

Following his death, his family issued a statement which read: “Our wonderful much-loved son Bradley, taken from us too early.” Floral tributes have also been left outside his home since his death in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Abigail White, 23, has been charged with the murder of Mr Lewis at their home on Chipperfield Drive in Kingswood. After the case was heard at Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday, she is due to reappear for a plea and trial preperation hearing on April 25.

She has been held in custody.