A young footballer has died during a game at Saughton playing fields earlier today.
The 13 year old has been named on social media sites and locally as Jamie Skinner.
He was playing for Tynecastle FC Under 14s this morning when he collapsed.
It is understood parents tried to revive him with CPR before paramedics arrived, but he later died in hospital.
The cause of death is not known at this stage.
The official twitter account of Tynecastle FC wrote: “As a mark of respect, the Under 16s late kick off game at Meggetland against Currie Star today has been called off.
“Having now spoke to family members we have released a short statement about the death of Jamie Skinner today
“No words can express the grief and dosmay we feel following the sudden death of Under 14s player Jamie Skinner, we thank all your support.”
A few minutes ago, the club issued the following statement:“A tragic event happened at Saughton Astro on Sunday 22nd December 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 undoubtly 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 out pouring 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 minutes silence before their next game.
Tributes on social media sites have poured in, including a tweet from Stoke City and Scotland international Charlie Adam who wrote: “Thoughts go out to the family of Jamie Skinner who sadly died playing football today @ the age of 14. He was playing for Hearts v Dundee.RIP”
The Edinburgh Reporter sends our condolences to Jamie’s family.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
