In May 2009, the players of Stroud's First Team voted to cease the use of the Number 9 shirt throughout the Club, in memory of Daniel Matthews who proudly wore the shirt in the First Team in the 2008-2009 Season - which was also the first season in which Stroud fielded its own First Adult Team.

Daniel was 17 and one of the youngest players playing for the First Team as well as playing for the U18s. Daniel played Right Midfield. An accomplished player, Daniel took responsibility for most corners, penalties and free kick situations, his delivery providing the team with great opportunities for scoring.

Daniel finished the Season as joint-top goal scorer with Steve Bick on 11 goals each and of the 54 goals scored in total, Daniel assisted directly in another 8. His energy and commitment, along with his positive, never-give-in attitude earned Daniel the Manager's Player of the Season Award, the first ever awarded by the Stroud First Team.

Tragically, Daniel died on May 27th, the night before Stroud's presentation evening.

Daniel never received his trophy in person but we know he looks down on us and continues to provide the team and the Club with motivation to succeed and we know he is always with us, wearing the No 9 shirt.

Every week in the UK at least 12 apparently “fit and healthy” young people die in the UK of undiagnosed heart conditions.

We at Stroud FC wish to raise the awareness of the risk of undetected cardiac abnormalities in young people by supporting the national screening programme carried out by C-R-Y, a charity established to help prevent undiagnosed cardiac problems from endangering the lives of young people and to support families who have suffered a tragedy from sudden cardiac death.

We recommend that all children engaged regularly in sport be tested. If you would like you or your children to be tested or require any further information concerning C-R-Y, please do not hesitate to contact us or use the links on this page to take you to their website.