Hundreds of children and parents gathered to remember a father who died after a car crash while driving his family home from the cinema. Stephen Jones, known as Ste, was driving a Ford Puma with his partner and son when they collided with a grey Audi A4 shortly before 8:40pm on Christmas Eve 2025 at the junction of the East Lancashire Road and Stonebridge Lane.
Fatal Crash and Hospitalization
The family were rushed to hospital from the scene. Jones, 33, from Bootle, suffered serious injuries and died in hospital on Saturday, January 3. His partner and son survived.
Community Tribute and Fundraising
On Saturday, June 20, more than 850 people gathered at Bramley Social Club for the JFA awards, where over 200 young footballers were celebrated. A memorial service was held during the afternoon for Ste, six months after his death. During the event, JFA revealed that £34,000 had been raised through a fundraising campaign launched by chairman Wayne McPartland to support Ste's partner Ashley and son Charlie.
The tribute saw 200 young JFA players form a guard of honour while holding illuminated lights as a specially produced video celebrating Ste's life was played to "A Sky Full of Stars." A live saxophonist emerged through the crowd before leading JFA New York City and Stocky Bilbao, another team previously coached by Ste, through the guard of honour and onto the stage. The emotional tribute concluded with Wayne McPartland performing Elton John's "That's Why They Call It The Blues" alongside the saxophonist, joined on stage by Ashley and Charlie Jones.
Support from Football Community
The event received support from TalkSPORT presenter Jason Cundy, who provided video messages for the JFA family and personally supported the tribute. Cundy also arranged special messages from former football stars including John Barnes, Don Hutchison, Graeme Stuart and Ray Houghton for JFA New York City, the club's Team of the Year and the team Ste helped build.
Wayne McPartland said: "The support from Jason was incredible. I've never met someone from the world of professional media who went so far above and beyond. He was calling and texting throughout the week to make sure we had everything we needed. Even while I was playing the videos at the event, he was messaging to say he was thinking of us. People know Jason from TalkSPORT and The Sports Bar, but behind that is one of the most genuine, caring and empathetic people I've ever spoken to. We will never forget what he did for Ashley, Charlie and the entire JFA family."
Christopher William Shankly Carline, grandson of Liverpool legend Bill Shankly, said: "As part of the Shankly family, grassroots football is hugely important to us in the city. It has been our pleasure to support JFA over the last three years. JFA is one of the few organisations trusted to carry the Shankly name and logo. The work they do for children, young people and families is exceptional."
Ste's Impact on Youth Football
Ste coached children's football team Stocky Bilbao before moving to JFA New York, a low-level children's team. His close friend Wayne McPartland explained that Ste's side would often overachieve simply because Ste made sure they had fun playing football. Wayne, who founded Jenning's Football Association alongside former Bayern Munich and Tranmere Rovers forward Dale Jennings, said: "He did everything for the kids, every little detail was covered, even down to making sure they had their own bag and picture of playing for the team."
Co-founder Dale Jennings added: "For the past three years, Jennings Football Academy has been more than just a football club to me. It has been a family. Watching children grow in confidence, develop as footballers and make lifelong memories is what makes everything worthwhile. It has never been about trophies. It is about inspiring young people and making a positive difference in our community."
