Tributes pour in for six-year-old Dundee West FC footballer after he dies suddenly

Tributes have been paid after a schoolboy died suddenly in Dundee.

Six-year-old Jack Stewart suddenly passed away on Sunday, May 7,

He had played as a team member of Dundee West FC, which he joined at age three.

Tributes have been paid for Jack after the news, with members of the public and other clubs all sending messages of support.

His teammates have honoured him by retiring his number 19 in the 2016s age group so that it will always remain his.

A minute’s silence will also be held across all of the club’s games this weekend.

On Facebook, Dundee West FC wrote: “All at Dundee West are devastated to learn of the sudden passing of Jack Stewart on Sunday May 7, 2023.

“Jack aged six, joined the club as a Wee Westies player at age of three.

Jack continued his football with the West through the Wee Westies and into Fun 4s 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.”

Broughty United Youth Football Club added: “Our deepest sympathies to family and friends.”

Dundee West FC went on to write: “Jack’s Dad, Ian also supported his son and the 2016s team by volunteering to help Jack and his teammates as well as supporting fellow coaches with coaching and general help of the team.

“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 silence across all Dundee West games.

“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.”A GoFundMe was also set up in Jack’s memory by the club to contribute towards the support of his family and as a longer lasting tribute of the families choice.