A young footballer has died during an under-16s Sunday league match near Preston.
AdvertisementThe girl, a 15-year-old student at Penwortham High School for Girls, collapsed during the match for Cadley FC.
CPR and a defibrillator were used at the scene but the girl could not be saved.
She was taken to Royal Preston Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The tragic incident happened around 11.30am on Sunday when Cadley were playing Euxton Girls at Greenside, Euxton.
Cadley FC posted on their Facebook page: “Today one of our Under 16’s girls collapsed during a football match and despite everyone’s efforts medical staff were unable to resuscitate her. We are all devastated by this news and our thoughts are with her family, friends and team mates at this very sad time.”
Tributes to the young footballer, named locally as Melissa Smith, have been pouring in on the Facebook thread.
Paul Farrell wrote: “Today all our hearts broke, Mel you were a fantastic leader on the pitch and a great footballer. My deepest sympathy to your family and friends and from my daughter she loved being your team mate and friend. God bless and sleep well.”
Kay Robson said: “Such devastating news. As parents we all go out every weekend to support our children playing the game they love and never imagine something as tragic and heartbreaking as this. Our hearts and thoughts are with the family and team. R.I.P.”
Lancashire Police said a post-mortem would be carried out to establish the cause of death.