Remembering Kerry King

Mudeford Phoenix G.L.F.C.

Oct 6

2 min read

A message from our Chairman.

It is with great sadness that we share the news that one of our previous coaches, Kerry King, has recently passed away.

Kerry was one of the coaches during the early days of Mudeford Phoenix and played an important part in helping the club and its players during those formative years. Although Kerry stepped away from Phoenix a few years ago, the impact she made and the memories she created have very much remained part of the club.

Most notably, Kerry was coaching the U12 Mudeford Phoenix Flyers back in 2019, and her passion, enthusiasm and genuine love for the players were clear to everyone who knew her. She didn't just see herself as their coach – she considered herself a mum to all of those girls and cared enormously about each and every one of them.

One of the team's greatest memories came on a Tuesday evening in April 2019, when the Flyers, against all the odds, deservedly beat AFC Bournemouth U12s 2-1 in a league match at Grange Road. Kerry couldn't have been prouder of her girls that evening.

Kerry later took more of a backseat and handed over the management of the team, but her presence and influence remained.

Many of the players she helped at the beginning of their Phoenix journey stayed together as they progressed through the age groups. In May 2022, when the U15s completed an incredible League and County Cup double, many of the players in that successful side were girls whose Phoenix journey had started with Kerry.

Even more special is that some of those original girls Kerry coached are still wearing the Phoenix shirt today, having progressed all the way through the youth teams and into our Ladies team.

Those who knew Kerry will remember her passion, her infectious enthusiasm and, above all, how much she cared about her girls. The results and trophies provided some wonderful memories, but what matters most is the part she played in encouraging a group of young girls to enjoy their football, believe in themselves and feel that they belonged.

To see some of those girls now playing senior football for Phoenix is a fitting reminder of where their journey began and of Kerry's contribution to it.

At this incredibly sad time, everyone at Mudeford Phoenix sends our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Kerry's family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with you all, and we hope you can take some comfort from knowing how much Kerry meant to the Phoenix family and how fondly she will be remembered by the players, parents and coaches who had the privilege of knowing her.