Under 12s football team rally together for grieving teammate

Big-hearted young soccer players in Wortley have rallied round to come up with a charity donation in memory of a grieving teammate's late grandmother.
Cobie Yates and his teammates at Wortley FC under 12s pass on a hamper full of treats to Charlotte Allen at the Dogs Trust on York Road. Picture Tony Johnson.Cobie Yates and his teammates at Wortley FC under 12s pass on a hamper full of treats to Charlotte Allen at the Dogs Trust on York Road. Picture Tony Johnson.
Cobie Yates and his teammates at Wortley FC under 12s pass on a hamper full of treats to Charlotte Allen at the Dogs Trust on York Road. Picture Tony Johnson.

Members of Wortley FC under 12 colts team were moved to help their friend and fellow player Cobie Yates, 12, after seeing him struggle with the sudden death of his ‘nannie’, Jean Young, 54.

The 54-year-old, who suffered from heart failure, collapsed and died at her home on December 15. An inquest is due to be held later this year into her death.

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In honour of her love of dogs, the under 12s collected treats to put into home-made hampers and this weekend donated them to the Dogs Trust on York Road in Jean’s memory.

Cobie’s mum and Jean’s daughter, Michelle Crooks, of New Farnley, said: “It’s so amazing what they have done. I was an emotional wreck with they told me. My mum was a really strong animal lover - she would have saved any dog she could.

“Cobie was really proud and really happy.

“He was really close to his nannie. She lived with us for a while when she first moved to Leeds and then lived down the road from us.

“It’s been a nightmare. Cobie is just like all of us - taking each day as it comes.”

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Tracie Powell, club treasurer, said: “Our boys wanted to do something to show their support to their team member, do something in his grandma’s memory and help others. They did really well and collected over two bags with treats for the dogs.”

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