Nottingham: Young West Bridgford Colts footballer dies after FA Youth Cup game

A young footballer has died after collapsing at an FA Youth Cup game in Nottingham.

Dylan Rich, of West Bridgford Colts, was taken to hospital in an ambulance after becoming "seriously unwell" during his team's match against Boston United on Thursday evening.

On Sunday his "devastated and heartbroken" club announced that Dylan had died.

A statement from West Bridgford Colts read: "It is with great sadness that, following the events of Thursday evening, we have to announce the tragic passing of Dylan Rich.

"This news has left everyone involved with our club devastated and heartbroken.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents Mike & Anna, his sister Lucy & 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."

Emergency services were called out to the Regatta Way Sports Ground after Dylan became "seriously unwell", the club said, and the match for under-18s was abandoned.

The club told the BBC the footballer was treated with a defibrillator at the ground before paramedics arrived.

Football journalist Chris Williams, who was at the match, tweeted: "Hug your loved ones, I'm at a FA Youth Cup game this evening where a young player has suffered a SCA [sudden cardiac arrest].

"Four shocks and still unresponsive, three ambulances on site."

The FA said it is "deeply saddened" by the "tragic news".

A statement read: "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 Club fixture on Thursday evening and we thank the emergency services for their efforts.

"We ask that the privacy of both his family and the club is respected at this time."

Football clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Notts County, and Boston United also shared their condolences on social media.

West Bridgford Colts said they would provide support for any players affected by the "tragic event".