Maidstone United players and fans will break out in applause as a tribute to a superfan who died aged just 16.

Alfie Weedon will be remembered at Maidstone's match against Chippenham Town at the Gallagher Stadium this evening.

The applause will happen during the 16th minute and balloons will be released.

The aspiring gamer was born with only half of his heart developed and had 12 pacemakers fitted, and numerous operations.

He trained with the Maidstone United Raiders, the club’s section for those with disabilities.

Alfie passed away on Monday, December 2.

Helen Barber, Alfie's mum, will attend this evening’s game alongside family and friends.

She said: “Back in March 2003 we had our 22 week scan and found out we were having another boy. We were so happy but this didn't last for long as the doctors told us he had complicated heart needs.

"Myself and his father decided to give him the best chance in life and this is what we did. Alfie proved over his 16 years everybody so wrong. He lived his life to the full and was always smiling.

"He loved playing Fortnite on his Xbox and made many friends. Football was his passion and he gave it his all. He never complained even with his multiple operations.

"He took his hospital visits in his stride as if nothing was wrong. Myself and his brother have said it is way too quiet at home with no shouting. We love you boy and miss you with all our hearts."

Alfie moved to Northiam, aged three, but continued attending Maidstone’s matches, with his family. He started training with the Raiders when he was 14.

Helen, 44, said: “The Raiders supported Alfie by letting him do as much as he could.

"They all accepted if he could play for a minute or five minutes that is what he would do.”

"Alfie had a great impact with a lot of Maidstone supporters and the team members.”

At the end of the season he was given Jack Paxman’s signed football boots.

They will be placed in his coffin, which will also have the team’s strip draped over it.

Alfie's dad, Grant Weedon, 44, said: "After his first heart surgery we didn't know whether he was going to survive but he did. He loved Maidstone F.C and trained with the disability club often.

"He was smaller than the other players but he gave back what he got. He was also a Millwall F.C supporter even though he lived in Sussex with his mum and brother.

"He had a big personality and yes he was a sod at times but he was a happy and cheeky sod."

Alfie's uncle, Adam Weedon, introduced Alfie to football and took him to matches. He said: "Alfie loved football and singing the anthems. He made a lot of friends with my mates' boys.

"When I would take him to games he used to loved the banter on the train. It [the match tribute] is a way of showing he was loved and it's showing appreciation of his little life."

Maidstone F.C supporters have already paid tribute to Alfie at an away match against Oxford City F.C on Saturday, by applauding during at the start and 16th minute.

Lorraine Humm, from Maidstone United Raiders, said: "Alfie was very passionate about football and through Maidstone United Raiders, he got the chance to play for the club he loved.

"He was well liked by his team mates, always gave 100% and we will miss that cheeky smile he’d give every time he scored a goal.”

His funeral takes place in Hastings on Monday, January 6.

Alfie's family are fundraising for The Brompton Fountain, a charity supporting the children's units at Royal Brompton Hospital, in London, where the teenager was cared for.

For more details, click here.

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