Young football players and school pupils have been left “heartbroken” after the death of a six-year-old boy from Dundee.
Jack Stewart, a pupil at Sidlaw View Primary School, died suddenly on Sunday.
He had played for Dundee West FC since the age of three and was said to be a “popular” boy among friends and fellow players.
In a post on Facebook, the club said it was “devastated” at the youngster’s passing.
It said: “All at Dundee West are devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Jack Stewart on Sunday May 7.
19 shirt to be retired in Jack Stewart’s memory
“Jack, aged 6, joined the club as a Wee Westies player at the age of 3.
“Jack continued his football with the West through the Wee Westies and into fun fours with the 2016s age group where Jack proudly wore the number 19 shirt.
“As a mark of respect, this number 19 will be retired as a squad number by the 2016s and will remain as Jack’s number.
“Jack, a pupil at Sidlaw View PS, was a popular member of the 2016s squad and Dundee West was a massive part of Jack’s life.”
The club say dad Ian supported his son and the 2016s as a volunteer.
The statement added: “All our thoughts are with Ian, Jillian and Jack’s younger sister Rebecca as well as the wider family.
“The Stewart family as well as the wider family are committed and invested to the West and local community, being involved in different teams and age groups across the club.
“At this time the Dundee West 2016s and club will do all we can to support the family at this unbelievably sad time.
“Longer term we will look to pay tribute to Jack in fitting ways which will keep Jack as part of the Dundee West Family.
“This weekend there will be a minute’s silence across all Dundee West games.
Call for minute’s applause at Dundee United match
“We will also be releasing further information about short-term and longer-term tributes in due course with the blessing of the Stewart family.
“The family have also passed on their thanks for all the kind messages of support.”
Dundee West have launched a fundraiser on behalf of Jack’s family.
Hundreds of people have paid tribute to the youngster, with messages flooding in from other clubs across Dundee and beyond.
Dundee West are also encouraging fans to take part in a minute’s applause in the sixth minute of Dundee United’s game against Ross County at Tannadice this Saturday.
Could it be shared far and wide for as many Utd Fans as possible to take part in a minutes applause for wee Jack at the game on Saturday pls.
Applause to take place from the clock turning 6 minutes played through to 7 minutes. Thank you
😔🧡🖤❤️💙💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/BLBVtbrC2G— Dundee West FC (@DundeeWestFC) May 10, 2023
Dundee and District Youth Football Association (DDYFA) confirmed all youth matches in the area will have a minute silence before kick off this weekend.
A statement said: “Due to the devastating news about Jack Steward, aged six, of which everyone in the DDYFA area is saddened to hear about his passing we are asking that every match kicking off this weekend – a minute silence is to be held in memory of this young lad.”
Responding to the news, Football at Leisure & Culture Dundee Facebook page posted:
“Absolutely heartbreaking.
“Thoughts to Jack’s family from everybody at Leisure and Culture Dundee.”
Monifieth Athletic FC said: “All at Monifieth Athletic are devastated to hear of the passing of Jack.
“Please pass on our condolences to Jack’s family and to the wider Dundee West family.”
School ‘truly heartbroken’
Douglas Youth FC posted: “Very sad news – our thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone at Dundee West FC at this heartbreaking time from all at Douglas Youth.”
And Dryburgh Athletic wrote: “Sincere condolences and thoughts to Jack’s family and all at Dundee West from all at Dryburgh Athletic Community Club.”
Pupils at Sidlaw View Primary have also been offered support following Jack’s death.
A letter sent to youngsters said the school was “devastated and truly heartbroken” at the news.
