Promising footballer, 17, dies on pitch during match as his Sheffield United star cousin pays touching tribute

A PROMISING teen footballer has died on the pitch during a match - with his Sheffield United star cousin paying tribute.

Kaylen Dennis, 17, died during a Walthamstow Football Club match yesterday.

The semi-pro club said: "We are devastated to learn of the passing away of one of our U23 players, Kaylen Dennis during a game.

"We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone that knew him."

Last night Kaylen's cousin and Sheffield United player Rhian Brewster pointed his right finger up to the sky in a moving gesture mid-game.

He made the gesture after netting the first goal against Millwall at The Den during a Championship match.

Rhian told BBC Radio Sheffield: "I want to dedicate that goal to my younger cousin.

"He passed away earlier today before the game, so that's one for him and the family.

"It's a very tough time for the family, but I played for him today, and I was very happy to come away with a goal, and that's for him."

Coach Scott Chickelday said: "'Heartbreaking to hear yesterday that a 17-year-old boy I had the pleasure of knowing with an unbelievable talent passed away on the football pitch yesterday.

"Kaylen Dennis was not just a talented footballer but was a great character and person! God bless Kaylen fly high champ."

Kaylen's youth team Ryan FC said: "We are so upset and devastated at Ryan FC.

"Kaylen started playing for us at 13 and we watched him progress into senior football playing for our partner club Walthamstow FC.

"His parents have been so supportive and all our thoughts are with them and their family."

Walthamstow Reserves DC said: "Words cannot describe how we feel about this news today.

"A kid with the brightest future, beyond being a talented young footballer, he was a blessed young man.

"Our football family will gather around his family during this difficult time. Rest in perfect peace Kaylen Dennis."