Echo Junior Football League

In Memory of Lisa

On behalf of the Echo League Committee

Following Keith’s update yesterday, we wanted to share the outcome of yesterday's court proceedings.

After a long and incredibly difficult day for Keith and the family, Senay Koparal has been sentenced to life imprisonment with no parole, with an additional three months for lying in court.

While no sentence can ever bring Lisa back, today’s outcome marks the end of an incredibly painful chapter for her family. Lisa will never be forgotten, and her memory will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

The Echo League Committee would like to extend our deepest love and support to Keith Di Palma , Danielle Di Palma and Charlotte Di Palma , and to all of Lisa’s family and friends. We stand beside them today and in the years ahead.

Lisa was a much-loved part of our grassroots community, and we will continue to honour her passion for grassroots football, the values she believed in, and the legacy she leaves behind.

We will keep Lisa’s love for grassroots football alive and ensure that her memory and legacy continue for generations to come.

Our thoughts remain firmly with Keith and the girls and the whole family.

Forever in our hearts.
Forever part of the Echo League family.
Never forgotten. ❤️

On behalf of Ongar Juniors FC

It is with immense sadness that everyone at Ongar Juniors Football Club shares the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our former and recently returning players, George.
George first joined our U9 Blues in 2023, where he quickly became an integral part of the team. Playing in central midfield, his superb technical ability earned him the nickname "Twinkle Toes", and in his first season he was deservedly named Most Improved Player.
George was far more than a talented footballer. He was a natural leader, always wore a huge smile, loved learning, and was an absolute pleasure to coach. After spending two seasons with the club, he left to take on a new challenge before recently returning to Ongar Juniors for the upcoming U12 season. His teammates and coaches were delighted to welcome him back, and it was as though he had never been away. Away from football, George was a devoted Tottenham Hotspur supporter who loved attending matches with his family and friends.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with George's family, friends and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.
A JustGiving page has been created to support George's family during this incredibly difficult time. If you are able to help, no matter how small the donation, we would be incredibly grateful if you could support the appeal and share it with others.
Thank you to everyone who has already shown such kindness, compassion and support.
Rest in peace, George. You will always be part of the Ongar Juniors family. https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emma-goodger?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL

The Echo Junior Football League extends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of George Dennis, whose young life was taken far too soon.

We know only too well the power of our grassroots community when we stand side by side through such tragic circumstances.

A fundraiser has been set up to support George’s family during this incredibly difficult time. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will mean so much to them.

Please support here:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emma-goodger?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL

Our thoughts and prayers are with George’s family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss.

Rest in peace, George. 🕊️🤍

From everyone at Echo Junior Football League – we are with you every step of the way. ⚽️

The last cup finals of the 2025/26 season will be completed today. Good luck to all teams

A remarkable 44 cup finals involving 88 teams we have completed 7614 fixtures something that simply wouldn't have been possible without the tireless effort, time, and dedication of our committee.

Thank you for everything you do for the Echo Junior Football League. Your hard work behind the scenes makes these opportunities possible for so many young players.

While this season comes to a close, the committee is already hard at work preparing for next season.

We wish all our teams a successful and enjoyable pre-season, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the pitches in September.

Last weekend of cup finals for the under 12 Good luck to all teams playing today. A big thank you to Billericay Town FC for the use of there wonderful Stadium

Wishing good luck to all our member clubs team playing in the Echo League Lawrence Segal Festival Cup Finals today and Sunday. ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

We’re back at Aveley for the Echo League Cup Finals. ⚽🏆

Today, we are proud to rename the U14 Premier & A Division Cup as the Lisa DiPalma Cup in honour of Lisa and everything she did for grassroots football and our league.

Her dedication, passion, and hard work will never be forgotten, and we will always continue to honour her legacy.

Forever in our hearts ❤️

Echo League Committee

We’re excited to announce that the Echo League is looking to expand our girls-only divisions for next season ⚽

Building on the success of our Wildcats Festivals, these divisions are designed for newly formed or developing teams — creating a fun, supportive, and no-pressure environment for girls to learn and enjoy the game.

Lisa Di Palma was incredibly passionate about developing girls’ divisions within the Echo League, and this is a legacy we are proud to continue and grow in her name.

Current divisions:
• U12 Girls
• U9 Girls (mixed U9/U8 teams)

Planned for next season:
• U8, U9, U10, U11, U12 & U13 (with potential to expand!)

✨ FREE league entry for all girls’ teams in all-girls divisions
🏆 Dedicated cup competitions for every division
📅 Flexible match days (mainly Saturdays for younger age groups)

If your team is interested, speak to your manager or Girls Development lead and ensure your club secretary is informed.

📩 For more information or to register interest, please contact Sharon Bennett at [email protected]

Let’s keep growing the girls’ game together 💪⚽

Please donate to help Ruth get to her target, this wonderful lady has already held a quiz night and a gin & paint event to raise funds for the Lisa Di Palma Foundation and now she is putting herself through the pain barrier of running the London Marathon in two weeks time.
For the price of a pint, Gin & Tonic or even a glass of wine would lift Ruth’s target to spur her on to the finish line. Please click on the link to donate, you will be making a difference ❤️

https://gofund.me/a62442fa0

Special tops for very special girls 💛

Getting ready to stand on the sidelines and cheer on their incredible mum as she takes on the marathon in just two weeks — and what a moment it’s going to be.

Behind every runner is a story, and this one is filled with love, strength, and the kind of support that carries you through every mile. These girls will be there every step of the way, proudly backing their mum as she runs not just for herself, but for something so much bigger.

Ruth has already raised an amazing £2,800 for the Lisa Di Palma Foundation — helping to support underprivileged children on their football journey — which makes every single step she takes even more meaningful.

We couldn’t be prouder. This is more than a race, it’s heart, determination, and a reason that truly matters.
Please, if you can, donate — even if it’s just £1. Every contribution counts and helps remind Ruth that she has the entire Lisa Di Palma army behind her, lifting her all the way to that finish line.

Link Below ⬇️

https://gofund.me/57e3bc734