17-year-old footballer dies on the pitch after collapsing during a match

A teenage football prodigy related to a former Liverpool star has died on the pitch after collapsing mid-game.

Kaylen Dennis, 17, was playing for Walthamstow Football Club on Wednesday when he died suddenly in the middle of the match.

The youngster, who was cousins with Sheffield United player Rhian Brewster, was described by coaches as an ‘incredible talent’.

In a statement, the semi-pro club confirmed his death and said: ‘We are devastated to learn of the passing away of one of our U23 players, Kaylen Dennis during a game.

‘We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone that knew him.’

His cause of death remains unknown.

Brewster paid tribute to his fallen cousin during a game against Millwall last night, pointing his finger up to the sky in a moving tribute after scoring the first goal of the game.

His cousin Rhian Brewster of Sheffield United paid tribute with a gesture after scoring against Milwall last night (Picture: Alamy Live News)

He later told BBC Radio Sheffield: ‘I want to dedicate that goal to my younger cousin.

‘He passed away earlier today before the game, so that’s one for him and the family.

‘It’s a very tough time for the family, but I played for him today, and I was very happy to come away with a goal, and that’s for him.’

Coach Scott Chickelday said: ‘Heartbreaking to hear yesterday that a 17-year-old boy I had the pleasure of knowing with an unbelievable talent passed away on the football pitch yesterday.’

‘Kaylen Dennis was not just a talented footballer but was a great character and person! God bless Kaylen fly high champ.’

Kaylen’s youth team Ryan FC said: ‘We are so upset and devastated at Ryan FC.

‘Kaylen started playing for us at 13 and we watched him progress into senior football playing for our partner club Walthamstow FC.

‘His parents have been so supportive and all our thoughts are with them and their family.’

Walthamstow Reserves DC said: ‘Words cannot describe how we feel about this news today.

‘A kid with the brightest future, beyond being a talented young footballer, he was a blessed young man.

‘Our football family will gather around his family during this difficult time. Rest in perfect peace Kaylen Dennis.’

Emily Hughes