A teenage footballer has died after collapsing on the pitch during a match.
Jamie Skinner, 13, was playing for Edinburgh-based Tynecastle FC against Spartans FC when he collapsed on the Saughton Astro pitch in the city.
A statement released by the club said: “A tragic event happened at Saughton Astro on Sunday, December 22 2013. A young boy playing for the Under 14s, Jamie Skinner, playing the game he loved, lost his life on the pitch.
“In an innocuous event during the game Jamie collapsed and despite the valiant attempts of everyone at the game, and the ambulance service, attempts to revive him were sadly in vain.
“Although Jamie was new to our Tynecastle family, he had up until recently been playing for Hearts. He was a prospect that undoubtedly would have had a bright future in the game.
“No words can fully express our grief and dismay at seeing this happen. We can only pass on all our thoughts and prayers to friends and family and hope they will get some strength from the outpouring of love and support from everyone.
“Everyone at Tynecastle is in total shock at what has happened, and we are sure the youth football community will join with us in also thinking of all the players, coaches and supporters at the game who witnessed this sad event, and the club also thanks everyone who tried to assist.
“As a mark of respect all Tynecastle teams will hold a minute’s silence before their next game.”
The club posted on Twitter: “No words can express the grief and dismay we feel following the sudden death of Under 14s player Jamie Skinner, we thank all your support.”
Police Scotland confirmed a 13-year-old boy who collapsed on a football pitch had been taken to hospital where he died. A post-mortem examination will be carried out.
A statement from Heart of Midlothian Youth Development Committee said: “It iswith deep sadness that we note the tragic news of Jamie’s untimely death whileplaying football for Tynecastle FC U14s this morning.
“Jamie was a talented and athletic young footballer who was a member of Hearts U14 squad for the first half of this season.
“Our thoughts are with Jamie’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Meanwhile a statement released by Edinburgh’s Hibernian FC confirmed the death of one of its youth players, David Paul.
It said: “It is with great sorrow that Hibernian FC today confirms the sad death of youth player David Paul, 18.
“David, who could play in midfield or in attack, passed away in the early hours of today at his home in Edinburgh. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding David’s untimely death.
“David’s father, Gordon, said the family were devastated. He thanked those who have contacted the family to express their condolences and offer support, and asked that his family be allowed privacy to come to terms with their loss.”
Chairman Rod Petrie said: “Everyone at the club is deeply affected by this. David was a talented and promising young footballer, and a fine young man. Our thoughts – and the thoughts of the entire Hibernian community – are with his family at this dreadful and difficult time for them.
“Whilst we understand that people will wish to offer their support, we hope that the wishes of the family for privacy will be respected.”