Zach, 10, meets hero footballer and writes first story for his school’s new Jill Dando News club

By Jill Dando News

Zach, 10, of Ashcombe Primary School got to meet his star footballing hero Dayle Grubb at Weston Football Club – and at the same time wrote up the first post Covid19 Jill Dando News story.

Dale has been a star striker for many years and also works part-time helping children with football skills at Ashcombe.

Now, as the school resurrects its Jill Dando News club – thwarted by Covid19 lockdown – Zach became the first member to write up a story.

Zach watched Dale play for Weston before having his photo taken with him and asking him a question about the formation he had been playing.

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Zach said: “I really enjoyed meeting Dayle.”

The match was a pulsating game ending 1 1, but with Weston-super-Mare, nearly scoring in the final seconds.

It was a fitting tribute also for former Ashcombe pupil Liam Shepherd, also a Weston Academy player, who died aged 11 in 2021. Liam was passionate for doing good things for people, for being kind and making the world a better place – just like the culture of Jill Dando News.

Liam was due to start at Priory Community School Academy in September 2021.

Liam touched the lives of so many people with this charity fundraising, kindness and support for others. Last year he received a prestigious Somerset Anne Frank Youth Award for helping to make a more positive, kind and inclusive society.

The incredible boy had done lots of charity work, raising money for sports clubs and his school. He ran a marathon in a week for the NSPCC. 

He had also made cakes and donated to the NHS, Police, his care home and his teachers. 

Liam had also donated food out of his pocket money for a vulnerable family at his school and he was currently holding a raffle and gathering prizes to raise money for Winston’s Wish before he died.

Members of the Liam Shepherd Foundation are now supporting Priory Community School Academy (PCSA) to fundraise towards their charity of the year Weston Foodbank. 

Liam’s Mum wants to ensure that his memory lives on in the Foodbank and in the memories of fellow students.  The charity holds three events a year.

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