Matthew Richardson Tribute

Football lost another warrior on Sunday, June 15 with the passing of Matthew Richardson – the Forest Rangers FC U/11A’s coach, Forest Rangers Development Coach and also the St George U/16s representative coach.

43-year-old RICHO – as he is affectionately known – died playing the game he loves most. It’s a game which has given him, his family and friends so much. It was during the second half of his second 035s game of the day against Hurstville Zagreb B’s that Matt collapsed and died of a heart attack. So many people tried in vain to save him but an autopsy has revealed a major artery blockage.

Richo’s football journey began at Wenty Waratahs where he spent five years between the age of five and 10 before winning a NSW Champions of Champions Medal during a two year stint with Merrylands. That opened the door for a blossoming four-year run with Marconi Stallions Youth League teams between the age of 13 and 16. The following year Richo was voted the Melita Eagles U17 Player of the Year.

At the top level of the game in NSW, Matt Richardson enjoyed successful stints with Polonia, St George and Sutherland but once his State League career was over he joined his local St George Association Club Forest Rangers FC and played at every senior level from Premier League, All Age A’s and O35s. A gifted ball-playing midfielder, Richo commanded respect from both his team-mates and opposition alike. You knew you were in for a tough battle when you lined up against him.

As much as Richo enjoyed playing the game he was equally if not more so passionate about the game’s future. Married to Kylie in 1997, two more potential footballers would carry the Richardson name – Blake (13yo) and Joshua (11yo). It remains to be seen whether Jemma (7yo) will follow in her brothers’ footsteps.

Richo had been coaching at junior level at Forest Rangers for seven years and also started a Football Academy two years ago. He also acquired his Level C Coaching licence and has put a strong emphasis on skills sessions for juniors. They loved him and he in turn loved showing them what it meant to be in a team environment while at the same time help them continue to improve their game.

Football was in his blood. It was this environment on which he thrived. His passion for the game was always unrelenting and he was always willing to help those who needed it most.

The world game has lost a few warriors in recent weeks through heart failure with former Canterbury-Marrickville player John Annas (52yo) passing away in the same fashion the week before while playing 045s for Belmore Eagles in the Canterbury Association.

Matt’s funeral will be held on TUESDAY, JUNE 24 at the South Chapel at Woronora Cemetery, Sutherland at 2.00pm. A wake will be held at the MASO’s Club at Mortdale at 4.00pm. (If you need any more information please email – forestrangerspublicity@gmail.com)

In lieu of flowers the Richardson family would like donations made to Westmead Medical Research Foundation on 1800 639 037 or go to donate.wmrf.org.au/Champions/Matthew.Richardson

-By Andrew Paschalidis – Forest Rangers 035s team-mate