TRIBUTES have been paid to a young Warrington Town player who passed away at the weekend.
Vini Desouza, 19, was a significant part of the club’s youth set-up, recording 29 goal involvements in 42 appearances across the Under 18s and Under 21s teams.
As well as training regularly with the first team, he made a competitive appearance in the Cheshire Senior Cup and turned out in several pre-season friendlies.
Born in Brazil, Desouza grew up in Portugal and moved to Walkden near Manchester 10 years ago, linking up with the Yellows in 2023.
Team-mate Sam Gill paid tribute: “Vini was a well loved and much valued player in our team. He grew into his character as his time at Warrington went on, and all of the lads had so much respect for him.
“He was an extremely talented footballer with so much ability, had a major impact coming in with us and consequently earning his space for training and playing matches with the first team.
“Vini is someone who will be missed dearly, both on the pitch and more importantly his character in the changing rooms and outside of football. We will all miss him and we send our condolences to his family at this difficult time.”
Several football clubs and fans shared their condolences with the club’s social media channels, and fans too paid their own tributes.
Jerry Liversidge: “Condolences to family and teammates. Having watched him at both first & development games, he impressed, and was definitely one for the future. A very sad loss.
Adam Heaps: “A chant of ‘there’s only one vini de souza’ on the 19th min around the ground, let’s get everyone joining in. Still cant believe it.”
Carl Roughley: “RIP Vini you was a quality player and lovely young man.”
Jean Harrison: “how very sad god bless and his family. Sending them all my deepest sympathy for their loss.”
Fiona Gill: “Such a lovely young man. We as a family are deeply saddened to hear this news about Vini x condolences to his family, friends and team mates x”
Phil Barron: “Rest in Peace Vini, Lovely polite lad who will be missed by the club.”
There will be a minute’s applause prior to the Yellows’ game against Scarborough Athletic tomorrow night (Tuesday).
Under 21 players will also be holding a bucket collection around the ground and a Go Fund Me page has also been set up to support Vini’s family to cover the costs of a funeral.
Help raise £1000 to support Vini Desouza's family in covering funeral costs Please #donate on @justgiving and RT https://t.co/Yti8pC8BxG
So so sad – RIP Vini ❤️
— Paul Carden (@paulcardy4) February 24, 2025
