Tragedy has struck the football community with the death of former Rochdale academy player Ellis Robinson at the age of 26. His passing followed years of complications linked to a catastrophic spinal injury he sustained in 2016.
A Life-Altering Accident on the Pitch
Ellis Robinson was just 17 years old when his life changed forever during a five-a-side football match. The promising young athlete suffered devastating neck and spinal injuries after another player fell on top of him. The freak accident left him with no feeling below his chest and required an immediate eight-hour surgery to repair damaged vertebrae.
The surgery could not reverse the paralysis, and Robinson's condition was reported to have deteriorated significantly in the years that followed. He lived in Oldham with his mother Lisa and younger brother Oliver, where his family rallied around him.
A Courageous Fight and Community Support
In the wake of the injury, Robinson's family and friends launched fundraising initiatives under the banner Team Ellis. These included benefit nights, charity football matches, and a sponsored bike-a-thon in Rochdale to support his care and adaptation to a new life.
His mother, Lisa, said in 2016, "Ellis has had a tough time since his footballing accident in February and although we haven't been told if Ellis will or will not walk again, with the love and support we will remain focused and positive until Ellis is back on his feet."
A tribute page set up by Ryley Shaw remembered Ellis as someone who "made sure to bring everyone happiness and laughter" and called him "the best son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, great grandson and cousin anybody could ever want." The message added that "he really fought a fight like a Viking, he always said he was."
Club Tribute and Lasting Legacy
Rochdale Football Club confirmed the sad news on Tuesday night via a post on X (formerly Twitter). The club stated it was "saddened to learn of the passing of our former academy player, Ellis Robinson."
The club's tribute directed well-wishers to a linked GoFundMe page, confirming that "all of our thoughts are with Ellis' family and friends at this sad time." The statement recalled that "Ellis suffered serious spinal and neck injuries in 2016, following a freak accident while playing the sport that he loved."
Robinson had been a promising prospect in Rochdale's academy system until around 2015, balancing his football development with studying Sport at Oldham College. His legacy will continue through a planned white-collar boxing match, which will now be staged in his honour. Proceeds will support arrangements for his memorial, ensuring his courageous spirit is remembered.
