It is with a heavy heart to inform the Rovers community about the passing of a good Rovers man and a great Bayside community identity in Matthew Larkworthy, who lost his battle with Lung Cancer on Saturday the 16th of July.
Matt was a great community man, one to always volunteer his time, footy, cricket, schools, coaching, fundraising or just jumping in and helping out.
Matt’s three sons, Tom, Sam and James have all played at the Rovers. Matt coached at the club for several years and was very influential in last years Under 16 team, going back-to-back in 2014 & 2015 having previously coached that team in Under 13s and 14s in division 1. He was also assistant coach in Under 9’s in 2010 and started his involvement at the Rovers as an Auskick coach.
Matt was instrumental in the organisation and running of the now famous annual Dad’s football game between St.Mary’s and Hampton Primary School Dad’s. When he wasn’t playing he was umpiring this game.
Matt was a strong voice of reason and understood greatly what is needed to help make our community a great place to raise a family, though only 48 years old, Matt touched many and will be sorely missed as a husband to Kirsty, a wonderful father to his boys and a leader in his field.
The good ones are often taken too early.
As a sign of respect for Matt and his family, all Hampton Rovers players will wear black armbands this weekend.
