A TALENTED young footballer with Walsall FC died after collapsing during a training session, leaving his team-mates "heartbroken"

Apprentice and youth team player Anton Reid, aged 16, slumped to the ground at the University of Aston Training Ground, in Walsall, yesterday afternoon.

On-site medical staff, paramedics and doctors all battled unsuccessfully to revive him.

Today players and staff at the club were said to be devastated at his death.


A spokesman for Walsall FC said: "Players and staff have been left heartbroken by this terrible tragedy.


"Our thoughts and prayers are with Anton's parents, family and friends at this very sad time."


"The 16-year-old first-year youth team player collapsed and died during a training session at the University of Aston Training Ground."


Anton's MySpace web page stated he was a former pupil of Blue Coat Church of England Comprehensive School, Walsall. His main interests were football and his heroes were Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King and Pele.


Anton writes: "I am currently a semi-pro footballer for Walsall FCs youth team and I am hoping to make it big in life.


"You will be seeing me on TV so watch out for Anton Reid."


West Midlands Ambulance Service were alerted to the scene at just before 12pm. A spokesman said: ÒWhen ambulance crews arrived at the scene, on-site medical staff were treating the patient.


"Ambulance crews immediately took over resuscitation attempts before the casualty was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital where medics were on stand-by.


"The teenager received further treatment at the hospital, but unfortunately, despite the best efforts of ambulance and hospital staff, they were unable to save him and he was confirmed dead by hospital staff shortly after arrival.


"The teenager was given the best possible chance of survival and it is very unfortunate that he did not make it."


A spokesman for Walsall FC confirmed that tonight's(Tue Aug 21) Pontins Holidays League fixture versus Wolves has been postponed.


Flags at the Banks's Stadium where the game was scheduled to be played were flying at half-mast.


Anton is the second Walsall FC youth team player to tragically die this year.


His former teammate, 17-year-old Danny White, died after losing his battle with cancer in February.


Danny, who lived in Selly Oak, had been battling the disease for several months.


The striker was a first-year apprentice at Bescot Stadium having progressed through the Centre of Excellence following his release by Birmingham City.