Players, officials and supporters of Bradford City FC were set to pay tribute to Private Chris Kershaw prior to the Bantams’ home match with Oxford United today.
The club was due to hold a minute’s silence at Valley Parade before kick-off in the Npower league two match.
Private Kershaw, 19, of Eccleshill, was among six British soldiers killed in Afghanistan this week.
Today, the headteacher of the primary school that Pte Kershaw attended paid tribute to the soldier.
Mick Hayes, of Grove House, who only met Pte Kershaw briefly, said: “Having read the articles and seen the news, a number of other staff, shocked by the tragedy, have said what an outdoor lover he was.
“Another said that he was always playing soldiers, even back then. Chris had a sense of humour, had a lovely side to him and it is an awful waste of such an adventure-loving, outgoing young man.
“Sincerest condolences and the thoughts of all at Grove House Primary are sent to Chris’ family, friends and fellow soldiers.”
Pte Kershaw had ambitions of quickly climbing the Army ranks. The Bradford Bulls fan had already told his company commander about his leadership ambitions despite only being 19.
Major Edward Colver said: “He showed immediate promise and regularly briefed me on his ambition to be a Section Commander and desire to complete a Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Cadre as soon as possible.
“This typified his approach to military life: outgoing and aspiring.”
Pte Kershaw joined 3 Yorks in September last year and was a skilled light machine gunner, the Army said.
A colleague Private Shaun Teale, of Laisterdyke, Bradford, said: “Fellow Bradford lad and Bradford Bulls fan, we used to chat about the weekend’s game.
“Chris would never say no to you and would give you his last fiver if he was asked. He will be missed.”
Pte Teal’s grandfather, war veteran David Bryan, of Nab Wood, Shipley, said: “There is an old Army saying that the reason that you fight is for the guy on your left shoulder and the guy on your right. I would be very unhappy if Shaun was even injured, let alone killed but this is the choice they have made. They will see it out for their fellow soldiers.”
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