Fiancée of footballer Jordan Sinnott killed on night out in Retford launches charity in his name on the anniversary of his death

Jordan Sinnott, 25, died from his injuries after he was assaulted on a night out in Retford in January 2020 which saw three men jailed.

After his death, his fiancée Kelly Bossons discovered she was pregnant and later gave birth to the couple's daughter Maisie.

Now, along with his family and the backing of ex-England star Ian Wright, she has set up the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust to help disadvantaged youngsters get involved in sport.

Kelly said: "We're all so proud of setting up the charity in his name and excited about helping many more people, who might otherwise miss out, enjoy all the benefits of taking part in sport.

"It's amazing what we've achieved out of such a tragic situation."

Jordan, who was playing for non-league Matlock Town at the time, died after he was set on by thugs during a night out in Retford, on January 25 2020.

Kelly found she was 14 weeks pregnant just days after Jordan's funeral in March 2020. Their beautiful daughter, Maisie Jordan, is now 16 months old.

She added: "Jordan genuinely cared about everyone and was such a happy and positive person."

During the night out, Kai Denovan told Jordan he was a "good-looking lad" who would have "no trouble pulling girls", unlike himself who was "fat and ginger".

Believing he was joining in the banter, Jordan said, "Yes, I can see that."

Denovan, who had drunk five pints of Stella, two pints of Strongbow and three double Southern Comfort and lemonades, punched him.

Jordan and his pals left The Vine but Denovan and Cameron Matthews, 21, hit him despite his willingness to apologise.

Matthews floored the semi-pro footballer, son of ex-Bradford and Crystal Palace ace Lee Sinnott, leaving him with a fractured skull and he died of brain damage hours later.

Denovan, of Collins Walk, Retford, was jailed for 11 years for manslaughter after a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.

Matthews, 21, Denman Close, Retford who admitted manslaughter, got eight years.

Jordan's mum Melanie Tait, who is the chairperson of the trust, said having Jordan in their hearts motivated his loved one to set up the charity in his name.

She added: "Jordan had an infectious smile and ability to make people laugh. He was just the kindest person who would always go above and beyond to help anybody in need.

"Jord's values and love of sport are at the heart of the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust - helping to remove barriers that people may face to participating in sport.

"Sport brought so much to Jordan's life and we hope that our charity can do the same for others who may not be as fortunate."

The trust aims to help grassroots clubs by offering grants of up to £5,000 to fund transport and kit to help engage vulnerable or disadvantaged people with sport.

Ex-England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright is a patron of the charity.

Ian said: "Playing sport builds confidence and raises aspirations and I'm passionate about making it easier for young people from disadvantaged background to get involved in their sporting passion.

"Jordan's passing is a huge loss not only to his friends and family, but the sporting world, so it's an honour to help champion the charity in his name and turn such a devastating tragedy into something positive."

Children and young adults facing barriers, including young carers, can apply for individual grants up to £2,000 to help get involved.

It received charitable status in December and has already helped Leeds Powerchair Football Club, which receiving a grant of £5,000 to buy a bespoke sports powerchair.

To kickstart the fundraising drive, the charity is raffling off the unique shirt which bears the number 25 on the back - Jordan's age and the date in January 2020 when he died.

The shirt has been designed by Danny Ward and has been signed by Ian Wright.

Tickets are just £2.50 and available to purchase on the charity's website www.js25.co.uk. The raffle closes on Tuesday February 1 at 9pm.