Lowestoft Town midfielder Flynn Clarke, a former Norwich City youth player, suffered a broken tibia and ligament damage during an FA Cup third-round qualifying match at Haringey Borough on 28 September 2024. The football club has expressed its commitment to giving Clarke a "second chance" following his previous legal troubles. In September 2023, Clarke was sentenced to 12 months in prison for causing serious injury to three individuals in a dangerous driving incident near Peterborough in April 2022.
Helen Nixon, a director at Lowestoft Town Football Club, is leading a fundraising campaign to support Clarke, who currently has no contract and is unable to play or work while he recovers from his injuries. "Everybody should be given a second chance," Nixon said. "We all make mistakes at some time in our life, but I can honestly say he is such a nice person... He has the makings of becoming a really good player at Lowestoft but he has no funding to live off."
The online fundraising page initiated by Nixon has so far raised over £600 towards a target of £1,000, as the club waits to determine Clarke's future treatment needs. Clarke has quickly endeared himself to supporters, playing in 11 out of the 12 games this season prior to his injury, scoring twice.
Lowestoft Town's secretary, Terry Lynes, added that the club and its fans wish Clarke a speedy but realistic recovery, noting that it will be a long process for the talented midfielder. The club remains hopeful for Clarke's return to football as they continue to rally around him during this challenging time.