A FOOTBALL club has cancelled this weekends matches as a tribute to the 11-year-old captain of one of their junior teams who died after he was hit by two cars.

Tigers JFC Football Club, based in Hornchurch have put a halt on all the games on this coming Sunday in memory of Tommy Bailey.

Tommy Bailey was struck on Sunday January 23 at midday at South End Road, Hornchurch.

Police were called at around 12.05pm to reports of two cars in collision with the youngster.

Officers and London Ambulance Service (LAS) attended and the boy was taken to Queen’s Hospital in Rom Valley Way, Romford where he was confirmed dead at around 1.15pm.

The Secretary of Tigers JFC Football club, Lisa Di Palma said: “We think it is a fitting tribute to Tommy.

“No one would want to play because he was such a big part of the team and everyone else that plays for the Tigers have heard about what happened and are just distraught.”

Tommy had been captain of the Tigers Under 12 team for the last two years and had played as midfielder for the team.

He originally joined the amateur football club when he was just five as a member of the Tiger Cubs before working his way up to captain of the Under 12s team.

Just last year he was given an achievement award for five years with Tigers and in 2006 he was voted as the parents’ choice for player of the year.

He also helped the Tigers to win numerous games and awards.

Lisa said: “He was a very popular boy who loved football and who will be sadly missed by everyone.”

The club’s website has also been inundated with tributes and condolences for Tommy and his family.

They are also talking about creating a lasting tribute to Tommy.

Lisa said: “He was a big part of the club so we definitely want to have a permanent memorial to him whether it is a tournament or a cup, but it is something we will be discussing with his family.”