Jacko
Early Years
Jack was born in Romford in 1994 to Scot and Nichola Phillips. He was the middle child to two sisters, Paige and Jordan. As soon as he could kick a football, it quickly became his favourite thing to do.
He was a lively child, enjoying family holidays overseas, especially if he could find a game of football to join in with. Jack actually caused a holiday camp kids game to be abandoned, because he was a little "too competitive", a sign of things to come. Even during a family walk on the beach, enjoying the weather and the sand, Jack disappeared behind some trees and came back with a football, there was literally no stopping him.
Jack attended Crownfields infants and primary school, but wasn't keen, and was described by one of the teachers as having "the attention span of a goldfish", unless you mentioned football
Football Mad
As soon as he hit primary school, he was able to play in school matches, although they weren't encouraged to be that competitive.
At age eight, he started to train with his dad Scot at Santiago FC. Despite being less than half the size of the adults, he got stuck in during the end of session practice games, using his speed to great advantage.
As a junior, Jack played for Leaside Colts U9, Raiders U10 and U11, United Amateurs U12,and finally Redbridge FC U13-U16. He also represented his secondary school Marshalls Park from age 11-16.
Even during the closed season, Jack would be out most days with his mates, playing football until he was exhausted, coming home only to eat his family out of house and home.
A Fierce Competitor
Jack took no prisoners on the football pitch, and when that whistle blew he became a different person. Even after the game, if you had made a mistake during the match, you knew you'd never hear the last of it from Jack.
Jack's uncompromising style of play often attracted the attention of the referee, and although he played in teams that made multiple cup finals, he also managed to get himself sent off during the big games.
As a captain, he led by example. His team followed him into battle every week, knowing that he would never give up, and he expected no less of them.
During his senior career, he played for Coral FC, Eva Hart FC and finally Haver Town FC. It was with Haver Town FC that he won the league and cup double in 2019.
Kind,Caring And Generous
Away from football Jack was quiet and well mannered. If you had a problem, you'd call Jack, and he'd try to help or take your mind off things (over a pint or two).
Jack was hard working, and not afraid of getting his hands dirty, but he would always find time to pop round and offer some football coaching to the kids of any of his friends.
He liked to socialise, and was an expert in the drinking game beer pong, as two of his dad's friends found out one night, not only getting well beaten, but going home completely legless.
Jack was a force of nature, with his love of banter, infectious laugh and somewhat dodgy choice in music, he left an impression on everyone he met.
When someone becomes a memory, Those memories become a treasure
Anonymous
