The footballer has been named as Samuel Akwasi, a junior player for FC Cavaliers in Nottingham. The club described him as “very well respected by all his team members”. His death was confirmed in a statement released by Nottingham Football Association.
The statement reads: “Nottinghamshire FA is saddened to inform you that following a medical emergency during a youth game yesterday, 13-year-old Samuel, a player for FC Cavaliers, has passed away.”
A spokesperson for FC Cavaliers said Samuel had played with the club since U9s and was “very well respected by all his team members.”
Nottingham FA said on Twitter that it was sending its condolences to Samuel’s friends, family and teammates at “this extremely difficult time”.
Following the tweet, many took to Twitter to voice their support.
Dorset County FC said: “Heartbreaking news, our thoughts are with Samuel’s family, friends and all involved at his club.”
The charity Cardiac Risk in the Young has said that 12 fit and healthy young people die in the UK from undiagnosed cardiac conditions every week.
Chairman of the charity, Dr Steven Cox, told the BBC that it was one of the most common causes of death in young people.
He said: “In 80 percent of tragedies there are no prior symptoms whatsoever, so the first time anyone becomes aware that there’s a cardiac problem is when someone collapses and has a cardiac arrest.”
He added: “The key thing from CRY’s perspective is that every fit and healthy young person from the age of 14 has the opportunity to have cardiac screening, with at least an ECG.”
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