Parents, clubs and coaches pay tribute to Eastern United FC goalkeeper William Fry

The Beachport community will take to the water in an heartfelt paddle out, to celebrate the life of talented teen goalie, and ocean lover, William Fry.

Eastern United FC goalkeeper William Fry will be remembered this weekend and into the future by family, his football clubs and all those close to him. Picture: Supplied, Eastern United FC

The Beachport Surf Lifesaving Club will host a paddle out on Sunday in memory of 17-year-old William Fry, who passed away just three weeks ago.

Club and community members will paddle into the water and link hands for a minute of silence to remember Will, who grew up in the South East town.

Beachport SLSC president Peter Phillips said the young man embodied what the club was all about.

“Having a paddle out for Will seems so natural for someone who loved the ocean as much as he did,” Phillips said.

Will Fry was a much-loved member of the Beachport Surf Lifesaving Club. Picture: Supplied, Beachport Surf Lifesaving Club

“He commenced with us in the season of 2018-19 and very quickly developed himself into one of the club’s most awarded members.

“We’re all about saving lives, creating great South Australians and building sustainable, healthy communities and when I think of what Will means to the club, I think that he lived and breathed this mission.

“The whole of Beachport and surrounds are mourning his loss so it only seemed right to have this event.”

Parents Rachel and Nathan Fry paid a heartfelt tribute to their son after he passed last month.

The much-loved teenager grew up in Beachport and Mount Gambier, making a name for himself at the Millicent Soccer Club and the Apollo Soccer Club before moving to Adelaide and Pembroke School on a scholarship.

He had been a boarder throughout 2021 and played soccer at Eastern United FC, fast becoming one of the best young goalkeepers in SA and even fielding recent interest from various A-League clubs.

William started his soccer career at Millicent FC, before evolving into a sensational goalkeeper. Picture: Supplied, Rachel Fry

Rachel said Will’s death left her, his father and 11-year-old sister Rose devastated.

“Our William was the best son a parent could dream of having – he was so kind, thoughtful and loving,” she said.

“He was passionate about the environment and about soccer. He loved goalkeeping and had no fear.

“Most of all his bond with his sister Rose was incredible – she has lost her world. He was our heart and we are devastated.

“We are so grateful for the love and support from our family, friends and the wider community.”

Eastern United FC vice president Angelo Berlangieri formed a close and strong bond with William during his year at the club, often driving him to and from training and games.

He said the loss had left Eastern United shattered.

William was a courageous keeper on the pitch. Picture: Supplied, Apollo Football Club

The club held a memorial for William after his passing, and plans are in place to name the under-18s best and fairest award after the rising star.

“He was so well-mannered and polite, a beautiful young kid,” Berlangieri said.

“It’s shattering for everyone. He had such a big impact here and we just can’t believe he’s gone.”

Long-time Apollo FC coach Adam Hodge spent many years with William refining and improving his game.

He said the club was thinking of him as they took on William’s first team, Millicent, after his passing.

“It was a very emotional day for everyone,” Hodge said.

William Fry accumulated multiple accolades during his time at Apollo FC, including an under-17s premiership at just 13 years old. The club now plans to permanently dedicate trophies in his name. Picture: Supplied, Apollo FC

“We’re doing whatever we can to support the family and we’ve also set up a GoFundMe page.

“Everybody who interacted with Will became a friend of his because that’s the kind of person he was.

“He was the hardest worker on the pitch and in the gym and he was just a really kind and considerate kid – the best you could possibly get.

“It’s a great loss and he’ll be sorely missed.”

In the days after his death, the Pembroke School issued a statement with principal Luke Thomson saying Will’s family was its number one priority, and all students would be offered counselling.

“On Tuesday 31 August, a Year 11 boarding student experienced a sudden medical event. Tragically, he died in the Pembroke Boys’ Boarding House,” the statement reads.

“The details of the medical event that caused the student’s sudden death are unknown and the cause of his death is a matter for the coroner.

“This is a tragedy that no school ever wants to experience.

“All students and staff have been, and will continue to be, offered counselling in relation to this tragic incident.

“They will be cared for, supported and comforted in their grief. We will rally together as a community to support one another through this extremely difficult time.”

At time of writing, Apollo FC has raised $14,205 for the Fry family through its Will Fry Memorial GoFundMe. Donate here.

The community paddle out will depart from the Beachport Town Beach rotunda at 6.45am on Sunday.