: Phil Baker

Phil Baker 1991-2007

World Wide 4v4 Fun Day
UK/Rest of the World 4-6th July 2008-02-14
USA 11-13th July 2008

The 2nd Give Us Back Our Game world wide fun day this year is dedicated to the memory of an extraordinary young man, Phil Baker. Phil was a talented footballer and all round sportsman, loving son and brother to twin Andy. During his two year battle with a brain tumour, Phil had to also deal with the death of his mother Chris. This incredible young man astounded family, friends and doctors with his amazing sense of humour and enormous courage. He never gave up and showed such immense courage that it is almost impossible to comprehend, unless you were in Phil’s company.

When Phil was told that the brain tumour was incurable he planned his own funeral and brought the wake forward so that he could spend one last time with all the people that he loved and who loved him. The wake became a celebration of his life with an evening of fun and laughter. When Phil finally passed away, he had asked that everyone should wear their team colours and that his coffin be decorated with the Aston Villa FC emblem and the football song ‘Vindaloo’ was played at the funeral service.

It is a reminder to all of us who coach children’s football how very precious each child is and that we must always ensure that their needs and enjoyment of the beautiful game comes before everything else. Phil’s incredible courage, humour and personality are echoed throughout children’s football and I know will be an inspiration to us all.

We are talking with Phil’s dad Mark and twin brother Andy about a foundation in Phil’s name so that children throughout the world will benefit from his inspiration. giveusbackourgame@gmail.com