Tributes paid to footballer, 17, who died after collapsing on pitch

Tributes have been paid to a teenage footballer who collapsed on the pitch, and later died.

Dylan Rich, 17, had a medical emergency during an FA Youth Cup match while playing for West Bridgford Colts against Boston United in Nottinghamshire last Thursday evening.

The match was abandoned as emergency services were called to the Regatta Way Sports Ground and Dylan was treated at the scene.

Attempts were made to resuscitate Dylan at the pitch using a defibrillator. He was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham by ambulance but later died.

His club, where Dylan played since the age of six, confirmed that he died on Sunday.

“It is with great sadness that, following the events of Thursday evening, we have to announce the tragic passing of Dylan Rich,” said West Bridgford Colts in a statement.

“This news has left everyone involved with our club devastated and heartbroken. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents Mike and Anna, his sister Lucy and Dylan’s family, friends and teammates.

“The club would like to thank everyone within the Colts and wider football community for the hundreds of heartfelt messages and thoughts that we have received over the past few days.”

The club has opened up its ground this week for those wishing to lay floral tributes.

Dylan was also a former member of Rushcliffe Athletic Club.

It posted a tribute on its Facebook page, saying: “Rushcliffe Athletic Club are sorry to hear of the tragic passing today of ex-club member Dylan Rich who collapsed playing football on Thursday.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents Mike and Anna and sister Lucy at this sad time.”

Premier League players and football clubs were among those who paid tribute to Dylan.

Nottingham Forest FC tweeted: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest sends their condolences to Dylan’s friends and family following this devastating news.”

Boston United said: “The Pilgrims' thoughts are firmly with the Rich family at the present time – as well as all at West Bridgford FC.

"United will offer any support necessary to their own young players - and staff - who witnessed Thursday's tragic incident.”

Aston Villa player Ashley Young tweeted: “Thoughts and prayers to the family of Dylan Rich. Sad sad news.”

In a statement, the Football Association said: “We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and everybody at the club at this very difficult time.

“We would like to recognise the courageous response of all those who reacted quickly to the situation at the FA Youth Cup fixture on Thursday evening and we thank the emergency services for their efforts.”