MORE than a dozen young footballers will form a guard of honour this morning at the funeral of their 12-year-old team-mate who "lived for the game".
Belfast schoolboy Sean Hamilton, who suffered from a heart defect, died from complications following surgery last Sunday in Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Dublin.
The New Lodge boy, who was a pupil at St Gerard's in the west of the city, had played for St Patrick's Football Club since the age of four.
His family have invited his closet friends and team mates to their home ahead of the service to listen to Sean's favourite music.
Balloons in the team's green and white colours are also expected to be released.
A massive fun day to "celebrate Sean's life" is to take place in Girdwood Community Hub this afternoon.
St Patrick's Club chairman Patrick Downey said they had been overwhelmed by the response of the football community from across the city wanting to help and forward donations.
Mr Downey said they had sought the family's permission to hold the free three-hour event, which will begin at 1pm, and include matches as well as archery, bubbles football, climbing frames, bouncing castles, facepainting and music.
The chairman, who works for a mental health charity, said he is very mindful of the impact of the popular young boy's sudden passing.
"Our thoughts are with Sean's family and we went to them on Monday evening to see what we could do for them," he said.
"They wanted today to be focussed on Sean and children. People have bent over backwards to give their time and we want to ensure this is all about celebrating all the positive things about him. Sean lived for football. He was a great kid and so brave.
"Some of his team mates have known him since he was four and they were great friends. On Monday evening, we took them all into a quiet room to break the news and it was very, very hard. We spent an hour talking about him and hugging.
"We were initially unsure about the Guard of Honour but feel it is appropriate. Support mechanisms are already in place for Sean's team mates for the weeks and months ahead".
Two charities have been chosen by the family, Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin, Dublin and the Children's Heartbeat Trust.
Requiem Mass will be held at 9.30am this morning at St Patrick's Church, Belfast.
