Sea of floral tributes and heartfelt messages laid outside school of Sheffield kickboxer Scott Marsden

A sea of floral tributes and heartfelt messages have been left outside the high school of teenage kickboxing champion Scott Marsden.
Floral tributes outside Forge Valley School - picture by Dean AtkinsFloral tributes outside Forge Valley School - picture by Dean Atkins
Floral tributes outside Forge Valley School - picture by Dean Atkins

The talented 14-year-old, from Malin Bridge, died in the early hours of Tuesday, March 14, three days after he was taken ill during a national kickboxing title fight in Leeds.

Tributes have poured in since his death with the headteacher of his former school, Forge Valley, announcing on Friday that they had set up a memorial area for the teenager.

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Posting on Facebook, headteacher Dale Barrowclough said: "In memory of Scott Marsden, Forge Valley will be setting aside an area of the school grounds for friends, family and the local community to lay flowers.

"This area will be available from 3.30pm on Friday, March 17 and will remain accessible over the weekend for those wishing to pay their respect."

"I have also been asked to pass on my thanks to the school community for the support they have shown the Marsden family at this difficult time."

Over the weekend, hundreds of floral tributes have been laid outside the gates of the high school, including touching handwritten notes and a pair of boxing gloves.

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A note from nearby Malin Bridge Primary School read: ""Our hearts are filled with sadness and tears, but our memories are filled with smiles and laughter.

"All our love, from all of the staff at Malin Bridge Primary School."

A number of touching handwritten notes from Scott's friends at the school were pinned up on the gates outside.

One letter read: "Dear Scott, You'll be missed very much. I'll always think of how successful you were in your kickboxing career.

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"You were a true champion. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Rest in paradise."

The school issued their own tribute to their former pupil earlier in the week, describing the teenager as a "popular young man" with a "bright sporting future ahead of him".

Mr Barrowclough said: "We are deeply saddened by the news of Scott Marsden’s tragic passing. Our thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time.

"Scott was a very popular young man among pupils and staff alike and it is without doubt that he had a very bright sporting future ahead of him.

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"The last two days have been very difficult for everyone in our community. Pupils have been, and continue to be, supported by staff and fellow pupils alike. It is testament to them all that they have dealt with this tragic news in such a mature and respectful way.

"Over the coming days we will be seeking pupils’ views on how best we can, as a school, remember Scott."

On Friday evening, both Sheffield Wednesday and Reading fans paid tribute to the teenager by holding a minute's applause in the standing ovation.

This was followed by the same moving reception in the game at Bramall Lane on Saturday between Sheffield United and Charlton Athletic.

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Posting on Twitter, Hollie Murphy said: "Respect to the blades fans today for doing an applause for #scottmarsden this is when football fans should come together."

Sheffield Wednesday announced earlier in the week that they would include a tribute to Scott in their matchday programme and display a special message on the big screen before the game and at half-time.

SWFC Supporters Group posted on Twitter: "A very moving standing ovation and applause in tribute to Sheffield kickboxing champion #swfc RIP #scottmarsden."