THE FOOTBALL community has come together to pay its respects to a 'popular' Slough Town and Binfield FC footballer who has sadly passed away.
Christian Rowe, who was just 19, tragically died in a road traffic accident, Slough Town FC and Binfield FC announced in a joint statement.
The statement read: "This news has left everyone involved with Academy 23, Slough Town FC and Binfield FC devastated and heartbroken."
That is really sad news.
— Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) January 21, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family of Christian Rowe and everyone at @sloughtownfc.
May he rest in peace.
Who was Christian Rowe?
19-year-old Christian played for both Slough Town FC, Binfield FC and Academy 23 (a training centre for talented players).
He previously played for Swindon Town's academy in 2017.
READ MORE: Tributes paid to Slough Town's most promising young player
According to the BBC, Christian, who was from Ascot played for Havant & Waterlooville last season before joining Slough's Academy23.
Words cannot describe how I feel. Not only my team mate but my brother. You were loved by so many people, and it still doesn’t feel real💔
— Pierce McNamara (@piercemc4) January 21, 2022
Rest in paradise Chris ❤️ #CR4 pic.twitter.com/D6XCOqeuiT
The BBC said: "After recovering from a hamstring injury he had been on loan to Binfield for five weeks, but plans were underway to bring him back to Slough's first team."
He was also recently on trial at Premier League side Burnley.
Everyone at the club are shocked and saddened by the passing of former Hawks player Christian Rowe.
— Havant & Waterlooville FC (@HWFCOfficial) January 21, 2022
Our thoughts are with Christian’s friends and family at this awful and difficult time. pic.twitter.com/75rz3ZX6YK
How has the football community reacted?
Tributes have poured in for Christian since the news of his passing was announced.
Slough Town and Binfield FC games have been called off in light of the news.
The club and academy send there condolences to the family and friends of Christian Rowe who has passed away. Christian was in our academy and captained the team at the milk cup in 2017. RIP @sloughtownfc @Binfieldfc pic.twitter.com/pkFCSwl1TG
— Swindon Town Academy (@AcademySTFC) January 21, 2022
Taking to Twitter, Slough Town's joint first-team manager Neil Baker posted: "Devastated to receive the news on Christian yesterday, can only send our condolences to all his family and friends, a lovely lad who had a real chance of an excellent career in football, and one that myself and Jon [Underwood, joint first-team manager] rated highly! 19 is just no age. RIP Christian."
We are greatly saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Christian Rowe aged 19. Christian was a great person and a talented and promising footballer who recently trialled for @BurnleyOfficial Academy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Richard, Marie & Lucas. pic.twitter.com/OzWihNuto2
— AiSCOUT (@aiscout_app) January 21, 2022
Christian's teammate, Slough Town FC star Lewis Pegg, said: "To Christian, to my centre back partner, the one who always had my back. You were loved by all and always put a smile on everyone's face. Changing rooms won't be the same without you by my side and seeing you everyday. Condolences to Christian's family. Rest easy king."
We are very saddened to hear the passing of one of our former players Christian Rowe. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends at this hard time. pic.twitter.com/vSHRgDI19n
— Alresford Town FC (@alresford_town) January 21, 2022
Former club Havant and Waterlooville added: "Everyone at the club are shocked and saddened by the passing of former Hawks player Christian Rowe. Our thoughts are with Christian’s friends and family at this awful and difficult time."
Non-League Gems, a scouting organisation 'dedicated to elevating the profiles of the best youngsters from the non-league', took to Twitter to pay tribute to Christian.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Christian Rowe.
— AFC Totton 🦌 (@AFCTotton) January 21, 2022
Christian had a short trial with AFC Totton last summer, while on loan from Havant & Waterlooville.
On behalf of everybody at the club, we extend our sincerest condolences to Christian’s family and friends.
In a post, they said: "RIP Christian Rowe.
"I met Christian after selecting him to take part in our 1st showcase event. He was by far the standout defender. Lovely boy & noticably popular amongst the other lads.
"Thoughts are with his family & friends."
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