A TALENTED footballer’s legacy lives on after players from his former school were gifted new strips in his memory.
Steven Slater, who had played for Musselburgh Windsor FC and Heart of Midlothian FC, died suddenly in March 2014 at the age of 25.
His dad Andy has now bought and supplied another full set of strips, this time for the senior team at Musselburgh Grammar School.
Wearing the new strips given by Andy Slater (fifth left) in memory of his son Steven are (from back left) Leon Renton, Felix Askham, Kyle Moodie, Michael Harrold, Sami Hyvonen, Ross Anderson, Jayden Stewart, Rhys Calder and Jay Malcolm. Front row (from left): Riley Cullen, Sam Dickson, Kane Cassar, Gregor Rutherford, Josh Papazian and Cameron MacSorley
Mr Slater said: “Steven had a football wherever he went since he could walk.
“His most enjoyable times were with his mates in the Musselburgh Grammar School football team.
“He had brilliant friends and enjoyed the freedom of play – that is why I do what I can to support the school and their teams.”
Each strip bears the message ‘In memory of Steven Slater.’
The senior side had not played for more than two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and faced Newbattle High School in their opening league match.
Musselburgh started strongly and had several good opportunities to open their account.
However, in the end, Newbattle ran out 3-1 winners.
Despite the loss, the team were delighted with the new kit and each player took a moment to personally thank Mr Slater, shaking his hand and expressing their gratitude.
Jade Hall, sport & physical co-ordinator at Musselburgh Grammar School, said: “A huge thank you again to Andy for all his continued support towards our school football at Musselburgh Grammar.
“No words can truly express how grateful I am.”
Mr Slater previously donated two full sets of strips to the school in 2014 and 2017 in memory of his son (pictured below).
Steven fulfilled a boyhood dream when, aged 16, he signed a professional contract with Heart of Midlothian FC.
He enjoyed three years with the Gorgie club but left, aged 19, in 2008 without making a senior appearance. He then moved to the United States for a scholarship in Los Angeles, returning home 12 months later.
Before joining Hearts, former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil Steven was a popular player with his school team, where he starred in midfield and attack.
He died near his home in the Mucklets area of the town. There were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
His passing was described as “a great loss to the town of Musselburgh and the wider footballing community”.
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