Footballer, 16, dies after goal

Danny Young: Scored goal before collapsing on the pitch

A 16-year-old boy died after collapsing during a junior football match in Greater Manchester.

Daniel Young, from Atherton, had just scored a goal for his team before he collapsed at Tyldesley Rugby Club on Sunday afternoon.

He was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital suffering cardiac arrest, where he died later.

Greater Manchester Police said the teenager's death had been referred to the coroner.

His team mates are all absolutely gutted Jonathan Brown, team manager

The youngster had been playing centre-midfield in a junior league game for Atherton Laburnum Rovers FC's under-17s against Bolton Lads FC.

Jonathan Brown, who manages the team said: "He hit the ball about 25 yards out and scored. It was a cracking goal."

Moments later Mr Brown said he spotted the youngster lying on the ground in the centre circle.

"I can remember turning round and saying, 'What's happened to Danny?'

"I went on to the pitch and it was like he had fainted. I froze for a moment then got help."

Paramedics arrived within minutes and he was taken to hospital and his parents were told.

Mr Brown added: "I spoke to Danny's mum and dad at the hospital. They said Danny had never had any sort of major illness. He was a fit lad. You don't expect this to happen.

Team 'gutted'

"Danny was a cracking lad, he had the right attitude to life. He had become part of the family at the club.

"His team mates are all absolutely gutted. They looked like they had been smacked across the face when it happened. They are all shell-shocked."

His parents said he was a typical teenager.

"We are happy for anyone who attends his funeral to wear a football shirt, as a celebration of his life," they added.

The club's games have been postponed until further notice.