Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a 13-year-old footballer who died during a match in Nottingham. Samuel Awkasi, who was described as "a talented sportsman who loved life", died during a game at Nottingham's Forest Recreation Ground.
Samuel was playing in a youth football match for FC Cavaliers against WBCY FC Rossoneri on Saturday (May 7). He had just scored the first goal in the game after suddenly collapsing on the grass pitch, near a tree.
The boy received treatment and that an ambulance arrived within minutes, it has been reported. In light of the pronounced dead at hospital.
READ MORE: 'Loss to Nottingham' as footballer Samuel Akwasi dies after collapsing on the pitch
A spokesperson for The Trinity Catholic School, where Samuel was attending, said they are "so deeply grateful for the privilege of having him with us". In a statement, headteacher Matt Shentonthe paid tribute and added: "Samuel was a gift to our school community and we are so deeply grateful for the privilege of having him with us. For those who knew Samuel, he was a kind, friendly and very popular young man. Samuel was a talented sportsman who loved life, he enjoyed school and was known for his huge and endearing smile.
"When someone dies, young people may experience many different feelings, such as sadness, bewilderment or anger. Some pupils may feel shocked and upset by the news, while others may be confused or numb. These reactions are all normal.
"We have looked to support the young people in school in different ways, including access to a school counsellor, through the course of the day. They may wish to talk to you later today, and we will continue to offer such support in the difficult days and months ahead.
"The thoughts and prayers of everyone within our school community are with Samuel’s family and friends at this desperately sad time. I will be in touch with details of how our school will celebrate Samuel’s life."
Thousands of pounds were also raised for Samuel's funeral costs. Almost £6000 have already been raised at the time of the publication.
The person who set up the fundraising page identifies himself as one of Samuel's relatives. In a statement on the website, the relative wrote: "Everybody who knows Samuel describes him as an inspirational young man, a gift to our generation, a hero full of laughter who has impacted people around him with love and affection. We can testify that Samuel is a hero and a symbol of love. He brought so much joy into our family and the world at large. We will celebrate his memory forever."
His club FC Cavaliers described him as "very well respected by all his team members". In a statement released through the Nottinghamshire FA, a spokesman for the club said: "Samuel Akwasi - FC Cavaliers u13s player. Samuel has been playing for FC Cavaliers from u9s until now.
"[He] was very well respected by all his team members." The Nottinghamshire FA sent their condolences to Samuel’s friends, family and team mates at this extremely difficult time.
