IT was an emotional day at Carmichael Park as the Wynnum Wolves community paid tribute to young Declan Phillips, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident last week.
The NPL Men’s team fought hard for a point against Peninsula Power, with Jez Lofthouse giving the Wolves a deserved lead in the 68th minute.
Peninsula equalised late, with Niyah Joseph scoring three minutes from time to level the match at 1-1.
But it was what happened off the pitch that truly mattered.
Declan, a junior player with the club in 2023 and 2024, was just 14 years old when he was fatally struck by a car while walking to school in Wynnum on July 16.
His younger brother Ryan is a current member of the club’s U10 Thor MiniRoos team.
The Wolves community – known for its strong spirit and unity – has rallied around the Phillips family in their time of unimaginable grief.
“Our hearts break for the Phillips family,” said club President Rabieh Krayem.
“We’re doing everything we can to support his family, and we know our members will too.”
A minute’s silence was observed before Saturday night’s NPL clash, with all matches at Carmichael Park paused at that time for a club-wide tribute.
Wolves players across all teams also wore black armbands in Declan’s honour.
Friends of the Phillips family have established a
GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and associated costs.
“We’ve seen time and time again how this community pulls together,” Mr Krayem said.
“Declan will always be a part of the Wolves family.”
To donate visit gofundme.com/f/declan-phillips.
