University Blues mourning tragic loss of under-19s player Will Richter

Melbourne local footy club University Blues are mourning the tragic loss of under-19s player Will Richter.

The Victorian Amateur Football Association announced the devastating news on Monday afternoon.

“The VAFA is extremely saddened to report on the passing of University Blues under-19s player Will Richter,” the league wrote.

“Will was tragically killed in a traffic accident on Monday, September 22.

“Described by his under-19s coach Steve Boakes as a very talented and likeable young man, Will’s passing has had a profound impact on the University Blues and Melbourne University communities.

“Will was living on the University campus at Trinity College and was the star of the college football grand final, kicking the winning goal in the final seconds of the match.

“We send our deepest condolences to Will’s parents Andie and Tim, sister Sophie, and all his family and friends.

“Funeral details will be shared as soon as they become available.”

Richter’s passing has sparked an outpouring of emotion from his tight-knit communities, who have paid tribute to him in recent days.

“The Kensington Flemington Junior Sports Club is devastated by the tragic news of the sudden passing of Will Richter,” his former club wrote.

“Will represented our junior football and cricket clubs with distinction over many years.

“Will was the kind of player every club dreams of (having) — dedicated, passionate, and committed to giving his best. He was always the first to arrive at training and gave his all at training and on game day.

“His talents were consistently recognised, not only within our own club football and cricket award counts but also across the football league best and fairest counts and cricket competition awards as well as earning his way into representative squads for both football and cricket.

“His pursuit of excellence, his drive, and his love for the game made him stand out as did his patience and humour while passing down his love of the game to the next generation of our junior colts as one of our junior Auskick coaches. But more than that, it was his presence and on field impact that will be remembered most.

“Will’s loss leaves a hole in our community and in the hearts of all who knew him. We send our deepest condolences to his family — Tim, Andie and Sophie — and his junior sports club friends.

“Rest in peace, Will. You will forever be part of the Kensington Flemington Junior Sports Club.”

Richter also spent time at Coates Talent League outfit Calder Cannons.

“Sincere condolences from all at the Calder Cannons to the Richter family for the passing of Will Richter,” the Cannons wrote.

“Will was a hard-working player in our under-18 boys’ program in 2023.

“Rest in peace Will.”