Residents in Almonte, Ont. displaying soccer balls in memory of 9-year-old boy
In a town known for its basketball heritage, soccer balls can be seen in every corner of Almonte.
The balls have been placed on front steps and in windows is memory of Archer Lowe, a nine-year-old boy with a passion for soccer, who was tragically killed in June while riding his bike home from school.
The tribute mirrors the 'sticks out' movement from 2018, following the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
Almonte soccer balls
Soccer balls on display in the front window of Baker Bob's on Mill Street in Almonte, Ont. in memory of 9-year-old Archer Lowe. July 18, 2025. (Dylan Dyson/CTV News Ottawa)
Danielle Spearman owns the Rustic Town Barbershop on Mill Street, Almonte's main drag, and decided to display a ball in her shop's front window, as she doesn't live in the town.
'The community is definitely there for them, and I hope they know that,' says Spearman.
She tells CTV News Ottawa that she sympathizes with the Lowe family, having suffered a similar tragedy in her family.
'My niece was killed at the age of nine on her bike as well, but it's a totally different situation than here. So, I've seen what my family went through, and as well, I drove a school bus for 14 years.'
The community has been rocked by the accident. Lowe was hit just two days before the school summer break and many people witnessed the incident, as school was letting out for the day.
'It was a devastating day for our community. It still is,' says Sarah O'Grady, at Mill Street Books. 'But it's just one way for us to band together and support each other.'
O'Grady says she didn't personally know the Lowe family but is touched by the soccer balls on display and the show of support the entire community has given.
'It's just such a subtle way to show that we care. This community is such a loving, giving community, that it was such an easy thing to do. But it's so impactful.'
Shortly after the incident, a soccer club from Smiths Falls donated many soccer balls to the Almonte branch of the Mississippi Mills library. They have been available to the public for free for anyone wanting to display one. As of Friday afternoon, there was just one left available.
'I feel like it's the least I could do,' said Jim Santry, who placed a soccer ball on his front lawn for Archer.
'The whole town was devastated at what happened. Not just the family of the young boy, but also everybody that saw it.'
In a tight-knit community such as Almonte, Spearman believes it will be an impact that is felt for some time to come.
'Never have I seen such a supportive town where everyone comes together and tries to be there for the community,' Spearman says.
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