Hundreds gather for charity game in memory of Tomasz Oleszak
The match took place at Gateshead Stadium
A memorial football match has taken place at Gateshead International Stadium to remember Tomasz Oleszak who tragically died last month as a result of a knife crime.
The exhibition match organised by Cleveland Hall FC, the club Tomasz played for, was supported by Gateshead Council, Gateshead FC, Kim McGuinness, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner and the Durham FA.
The crowd of over 700 were entertained by the game between two under 15 teams from Cleveland Hall FC while other players from the club were mascots, ball boys and provided the half-time entertainment.
Prior to kick off Tomasz’s parents, Kamila Wisniewska & Patryk Malocha, and his younger brother Kuba, aged 6, were presented with a Cleveland Hall strip and book of condolence by the two team captains and a minute silence was held.
Kamila & Patryk said: “When we found out about the memorial match for Tomasz and the important message it’s giving out, we thought it would be a beautiful day to honour Tomasz from which he would also be proud. I wish he could be here to see how many people have come together for him. It shows how much he was thought of by his team and the coaches and everyone coming to watch. His tragic death through knife crime has brought everyone together. Our world is so cruel and I hope the message comes across on from this match.”
Deputy Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Robert Waugh, said: “This has been a very emotional day for everyone involved as Tomasz’s death has had a profound impact on not only those who knew him but the wider Gateshead community. It has been really important that people have had this opportunity to come together and remember Tomasz doing something he loved to do with his friends and teammates.
“However there is also an important message that we need to remember - everyone has a right to feel safe in their local community. It’s crucial that we keep talking about the dangers of knife crime to raise awareness of how devastating it can be and try to prevent a tragedy such as this happening again.”
Bob Boustead, Chair of Cleveland Hall FC, said: “Today has been a powerful display of the strength of feeling on this tragic event. I have been involved in local grassroots football for over 50 years and today has reminded me of the power of the sport and of a community coming together when people need it to. Our thoughts remain with Tomasz’s family and friends at this difficult time, as a father and grandfather myself I cannot begin to comprehend the grief that this tragedy has brought.”
“We must continue to work together to ensure that what has happened to Tomasz does not happen to any of our other young people. Gateshead Cleveland Hall Community Association are committed to working with our partners to address this really serious issue in our society.”
Kim McGuinness, Police & Crime Commissioner, said: “My thoughts remain with Tomasz's family - no family should lose a loved one in such tragic circumstances. Today's powerful and emotional event highlights the shared desire this region has to prevent, and drive out, knife crime in our region.
"Despite the challenging environment our young people are growing up in today, we are working tirelessly to prevent serious violence, and give young people the opportunities they deserve."
All of the money raised from match ticket sales is being donated to Tomasz’s family.