Sands United FC Solihull player and bereaved dad Zane Murray’s story of hope after baby loss is sensitively told in a new video from football media giant COPA90.
The 60 second video is part of EA’s ‘Saved By The Ball’ project – a four-part series that aims to showcase stories from across the footballing community and show how football has helped rebuild and shape communities across the UK.
Zane’s baby daughter Ophelia was diagnosed with Noonan Syndrome and sadly passed away in her parents’ arms shortly after she was born on May 27, 2022.
In the video, Zane explains how Sands United has helped him and his teammates grow around grief, break free from isolation, and find a support network where they can feel at ease talking about their babies.
“Sands has helped me open up and feel comfortable talking about my daughter and her story, baby loss has always been a taboo subject and Sands has taught me that it shouldn't be, and I shouldn't have to worry about telling my daughter’s story.
“It was difficult but very good, since Ophelia has passed, I've wanted to tell her story but have always struggled with how taboo it is.
“I hope with the filming it will help other bereaved dad's and family's open up and break the taboo.”
Zane Murray, Sands United FC Solihull
Watch the video - the latest episode in Saved by the Ball series, sees Mirsab tell the story of Sands United FC Solihull. Sands United teams are a part of Sands.
Currently in the UK, 13 families a day suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth. That’s around 4,500 babies a year. And an estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage.
Sands United is an initiative run by Sands, the UK’s leading pregnancy and baby loss charity, that is a unique way for bereaved men to come together through a shared love of sport, find a support network, and feel at ease talking about their grief when they're ready.
“As part of the COPA90 x EA SPORTS FC Beat the Bias Internship intake for this year, our Graphic Design intern - Mirsab Janjua, felt compelled to tell the story about Sands United.
“Mirsab has had first hand family experiences of child loss and understands the trauma this can cause. Residing from Coventry, Sands United Solihull is a club he knows well, and for his internship project wanted to spotlight how the club brings bereaved fathers together, through the love of football.”
“COPA90 x EA SPORTS FC 'Beat the Bias' 8 week internship programme was created to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of BAME creators. Now in its third year, it aims to break the barriers to entry within the football media industry, and upskill selected interns with experience and connections for their careers.
“During the 2023 internship our interns focused on a 'Saved By The Ball' project. Each intern was tasked with creating their own social story, spotlighting a club or collective that is driving positive change in the world of football.”
Samuel Adetiba, Project Manager
The video telling Zane’s story is available on COPA90’s social media channels, including, Instagram and TikTok.
Anyone can find out more about Sands United on the Sands website or by emailing sands.united@sands.org.uk