Football community united by death of Dylan, 17
THE football community has paid tribute to 17-year-old player Dylan Rich who died after a medical emergency during an FA Youth cup match last week.
West Bridgford Colts confirmed that the teenager had passed away on Thursday, saying everyone involved with the club had been left “devastated and heartbroken”.
Dylan lived in West Bridgford, his club confirmed, and a file is yet to be referred to Nottingham Coroners’ Office.
West Bridgford Colts’ fixture with Boston United was abandoned and paramedics were called to the Regatta Way Sports Ground at 7.50pm.
Boston United issued a statement, saying they were “deeply saddened” to hear of the passing of the youngster.
A spokesman for Boston said the teenager had collapsed in the fifth minute of the Youth Cup preliminary round.
“The Pilgrims’ thoughts are firmly with the Rich family at the present time - as well as all at West Bridgford FC,” Boston said.
“United will offer any support necessary to their own young players - and staff - who witnessed Thursday’s tragic incident.
“The club will make no further comment at this stage and ask everybody to respect the privacy of Dylan Rich’s family at this devastating time.”
In their statement, West Bridgford Colts said: “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, Dylan’s family, friends and team-mates. “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 will provide all the support it can to those players and club officials impacted by this tragic event, but for now there are no further words possible, and we ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this incredibly difficult time.” Various clubs have sent messages of condolences. Aston Villa’s Ashley Young Tweeted: “Thoughts and Prayers to the family of Dylan Rich. Sad sad News.”
Former Nottingham Forest striker David Johnson added on Twitter: “Thoughts go out to Dylan Rich family and friends @wbcoltsfc family.”