Football club’s rising young star dies suddenly aged 18

Harrogate Town AFC manager Simon Weaver said the club had been left reeling after the death of Under-19s player Alex Emmett, from Follifoot, who was just 18.

Dubbing the defender “Mr Reliable”, he spoke of his shock and offered his condolences to Mr Emmett’s family – including his twin brother, Jack, who recently played for the first team in their County Cup victory at Ossett Albion.

Mr Weaver said: “On Sunday afternoon I received a telephone call from Mark Forster, the Under-19s manager, to tell me of the awful and shocking news that Alex Emmett had passed away.

“It is hard to comprehend that such a young and fit lad is not with us any more. In each of the games and training sessions that I saw Alex play he acquitted himself with great intelligence and honesty.

“This is a huge blow for the Under-19s team, many of whom have grown up playing alongside Alex. He really was a popular figure with his team-mates.

“The whole of the club is hurting right now but our immediate thoughts are with Jack, his younger sister Laura and Mr and Mrs Emmett. We must give them all the support we can.”

Mr Weaver described Alex as a “very talented player” and said he was “very well-liked” at the football club. He made 16 appearances for the squad as they challenged at the top of the York FA Under 19s Division 1 and he eventually hoped to follow in his brother’s footsteps and take the step up to the first team.

The cause of the young sport star’s death has not yet been confirmed and tributes have been pouring in from the Harrogate community on social networking sites.

Relatives, friends and classmates have been paying their respects on Twitter using the hashtag #RIPAlexEmmett.

Friend Josh Milnes tweeted: “Going to be emotional not playing with Alex Emmett tonight, wearing black armbands and a win to do him proud.”