'You will always be our No.6': 13-year-old Sheffield footballer Archie remembered for courage and kindness
“Even while going through some of the toughest times imaginable, he still turned up with a smile on his face and continued to put other people before himself”
A Sheffield football club has paid an emotional tribute to a much-loved young player who continued to put others first while battling cancer.
Archie Hinde Neary, 13, had been part of City of Sheffield Football Club since he was eight years old, becoming a key player, loyal teammate and friend to many across the club.
Diagnosed with cancer last year, Archie continued to turn up for his teammates, support younger players and bring a smile to those around him - even during some of the toughest times imaginable.
Rebecca Baran, club chairperson, said Archie would be remembered not just for his talent on the pitch, but for the kindness and friendship he showed to everyone he met.
She said: “He cared about everyone. He was the best teammate, the best friend and someone who always looked out for the people around him. He included everyone, showed kindness to everyone and always made people feel welcome. Archie just loved football, and he just loved to play.”
Archie played in centre midfield for the club’s Lions/Golds team, captaining the side on several occasions.
He was known for his unselfish style of play, always looking to bring his teammates into the game, as well as his talent from corners and free kicks.
His influence extended far beyond his own team and Archie regularly joined his younger brother Zach at training sessions, where he became a much-loved face among the club’s younger players.
Rebecca said: “He would support the younger players with a high five, a fist pump, a hug or just a few encouraging words that always meant so much.”
She added: “All of the players looked up to him and he became everyone’s friend.”
Despite his cancer diagnosis, Archie continued to attend sessions.
Rebecca said: “Even while going through some of the toughest times imaginable, he still turned up with a smile on his face and continued to put other people before himself.”
She added: “I know that has inspired so many of us across our club.”
Danny Steers, who managed Archie for several seasons, said the young footballer had been a vital part of his team, but it was his personality that made him truly special.
He said: “Above all else he was an outstanding young man. Loved by all the met him, his charm and character was electric and his smile was infectious.
Danny recalled how even a brief conversation with Archie could brighten a difficult day.
He said: “If I was having a rough day before training a few minutes with Archie would brighten it up.
“We always had plenty of banter, I especially used to wind him up telling him that he never scores me a goal - though he did score me plenty.”
One of Danny’s most treasured memories was seeing Archie return to the pitch during the final 10 minutes of the team's cup final last season.
He said: “One of the best moments of last season was seeing Archie come on for the last 10 minutes of our cup final... and in those 10 minutes he nearly bagged himself an assist - assisting was his speciality - it was a special game in more ways than one.”
Archie’s team went on to win the league and cup last season, a moment Rebecca said was particularly special.
She also spoke of how fortunate she felt to have spent time with Archie over the past year, when he helped her with social media, coaching and photography.
She said: “He inspired me in so many ways, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had that time with him.”
The club has thanked its community for rallying around Archie and his family over the past year, including through fundraising efforts to help make the time as special as possible.
Rebecca said: “Everyone pulled together, and that says so much about what a fantastic club we are all part of.”
Paying tribute to the young player, she added: “Archie, you will always be our No.6, You will always be part of our club, and you will always be loved and remembered by everyone who knew you.”
Danny said: “We will always love you Archie and miss you but we will never forget you my little mate.”
“RIP to a very special young man.”