Junior footballer dies after suffering sudden cardiac arrest on pitch during under-13s game

Junior footballer dies after suffering sudden cardiac arrest on pitch during under-13s game
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Jamie  Micklethwaite

By Jamie Micklethwaite


Published: 09/05/2022

- 10:10

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:31

Samuel Akwasi collapsed during a match in Nottinghamshire on Saturday

A junior footballer has died following a medical emergency in an under-13s game.

Samuel Akwasi, 13, suffered a cardiac arrest after collapsing during a match on Saturday, a spokesman for the East Midlands Young Elizabethan Football League (YEL) said.


The incident happened during a game between FC Cavaliers Green under-13s and West Bridgford Rossoneri under-13s, with the match being abandoned.

Announcing the news on Twitter, the Nottinghamshire FA said: “Nottinghamshire FA is saddened to inform you that following a medical emergency during a youth game yesterday, 13-year-old Samuel a player for FC Cavaliers has passed away.

The incident happened on the Forest Recreation Ground
The incident happened on the Forest Recreation Ground
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“’Samuel has been playing for FC Cavaliers from u9’s until now. Was very well respected by all his team members.’ (Quote FC Cavaliers)

“We send our condolences to Samuel’s friends, family and team mates at this extremely difficult time.”

Confirming details of the incident, a spokesman for the YEL said on Facebook: “We are devastated to have to report the tragic events that unfolded yesterday morning during a YEL U13 game between FC Cavaliers and West Bridgford Rossoneri.

“A young Cavaliers player, Samuel Akwasi, collapsed on the pitch after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest.

“Despite the best efforts of those present and the quick application of a defibrillator along with the speedy response of the emergency services, Samuel sadly passed away in the QMC.

“On behalf of the YEL and our football community, our hearts and prayers all go out to his family and friends as well as FC Cavaliers at this awful time.”

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