Sadly in November 2016 the Lancaster community lost a sporting legend. Ex-Central Lancaster High School student, Neil Marshall, played and captained football for Lancaster City Football Club. Neil played 485 games for his club and not once did he show disrespect for his opponents or to the rest of his team. He inspired not only the local footballing community but many outside of Lancaster as well. This is why it was deemed appropriate for the sports hall at our school to be named after such a sporting and local legend. Neil Marshall deserved a place in the hearts of students and a foundation for his legacy to live on.
On the 10th March 2017 a ceremony took place where friends, family, students and colleagues watched the unveiling of the plaque in the sports hall entrance. England international footballer Trevor Sinclair made a special appearance to unveil the plaque and say a few words about Neil. From a student’s perspective it is an honour to name our sports hall after someone that is so highly regarded. I was very touched to see his family, his friends and his former teachers gather to commemorate his life and to name our sports hall after him. Neil Marshall was true to football and an inspiration to all who knew him. He will be sadly missed but may his spirit live on through the ‘Neil Marshall Sports Hall’.
‘’I am really proud to say that Neil Marshall was my uncle and I am really happy that Central Lancaster High School named the new sports after him. I smile every time Mr Clark says ‘the Neil Marshall Sports Hall’.’’
