A fundraiser has been set up to help the family of former Sebastopol, North Ballarat and Redan footballer Adam Jenkins after he passed away on January 15.
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Mr Jenkins, who was most recently acting as runner for the Sebastopol Football Netball Club died suddenly, the cause of which is still to be determined.
He leaves behind partner Angie and young children Archina, Flynn and India.
He also leaves behind a shattered community and football clubs where he was a much loved figure.
Long time Sebastopol club and football department member Chris Parker said Mr Jenkins was irreplaceable with his passing a huge dent in the club going forward.
“It’s such a huge shock,” Mr Parker said. “For someone to be taken so young, and we still don’t know the cause, has devastated everyone who knew him.
“Most recently he was acting as runner and his brother Sam had just come back to us, he was really looking forward to getting out on the field with his brother again.”
Mr Jenkins was a talented footballer who played in under 16 and under 18 premierships with Sebastopol. He furthered his career by playing 98 games at VFL level with the Roosters and was also a member of Redan’s senior Ballarat Football League premiership team in 2006.
“He was an onballer, he wasn’t tall, but he was quick and talented and like a cat on his feet,” Mr Parker said. “He was eternally fair, he didn’t have a dirty bone in his body, it was all see ball, get ball.”
Former North Ballarat coach Gerard FitzGerald said he was upset to hear of the Mr Jenkins’ passing paying tribute to his former star.
"I was very saddened when I heard about it, because it's a young life taken from us prematurely,” Mr FitzGerald said.
"My thoughts and prayers are with his Mum and Dad, his partner and his young family.
"Adam was a very good player and a pleasure to coach. I admired the way he prepared and played. I also know that those who played with him valued him as a teammate."
Redan spokesperson Damian Linton said he was shocked at the news.
“The RFNC is shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing of past player Adam Jenkins,” Mr Linton said.
“Adam was a highly respected and enthusiastic member of our team during the mid 2000s and was an integral part of our 2006 Premiership side.
“He will be sadly missed by all at our club. Adams father David was also a dual premiership player at Redan in 1976 and 1977.”
Mr Jenkins’ funeral will be held at the Minerdome basketball stadium on Friday January 25 from 11am.
A gofundme page has been set up to support his partner Angie and their children.
If you wish to donate, go HERE
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