England pay tribute to footballer, 17, who died after ‘cardiac arrest’ in FA Youth Cup match

ENGLAND dedicated their game with Poland on Wednesday evening to a teenage footballer who died after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Dylan Rich, 17, collapsed during an FA Youth Cup game between West Bridgford Colts and Boston United on Thursday.

Dylan Rich, 17, passed away on Sunday after collapsing on the pitch three days earlier
England dedicated their match in Warsaw to Dylan
England dedicated their match in Warsaw to Dylan

The teen was treated with a defibrillator at the West Bridgford Colts ground.

Paramedics then arrived and he was transported to the Queen’s Medical Centre.

Tragically, Dylan suffered a second cardiac arrest in the ambulance as he was being rushed to hospital.

He then sadly died on Sunday.

‘REST IN PEACE’

The England team held a shirt with Dylan’s name on before their game against Poland in Warsaw.

The national team’s Twitter account posted the photo and added the caption: “Rest in peace, Dylan Rich. Forever in our thoughts.”

The teenagers death comes just months after former Spurs midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed during a Euro 2020 game after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Dylan’s club said 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.”

Dylan’s headmaster has paid tribute to the “wonderful” teenager, who attended The West Bridgford School.

Tim Peacock said: “We are a school in mourning,” head teacher. We have lost a wonderful, much-loved, talented member of our community. This loss will be felt deeply by many people.

“At the moment our focus is on supporting his family, friends, classmates and teachers through this difficult time.”

The teenager was also a former member of Rushcliffe Athletic Club, who posted a tribute online.

Chairman of West Bridgford Colts, Peter Stansbury, said Dylan had been at the club since he was six years old.

Mr Stansbury explained that his sister Lucy also played football, and his dad Mike coached.

He added: “It is an extra tragedy for the club that such a great lad and such a lovely family have had this dreadful thing happen to them.

“It was a great opportunity for our players to play in a national competition and tragedy struck two or three minutes into the game when Dylan Rich collapsed on the pitch.

“Our hearts go out to the parents because I’m a father-of-three and the idea of this happening is just truly tragic.”

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