Football community rocked as promising rising star, 20, dies of heart attack 'on the pitch, doing what he loved'

Melbourne's football community has been rocked by the death of a rising star who 'lived and breathed' the world sport.

Jeremias Sprague, 20, died of a suspected heart attack in suburban Melbourne on December 15 while “doing what he loved on the field”, his heartbroken father said.

The Berwick City SC Reserves side captain this season dreamed of one day playing for the Socceroos, with his passion for football making 'Jem' a popular figure with his teammates.

In his youth, Sprague represented Victoria at state level and headed to Spain and Thailand to pursue his sporting dream.

“He was a great kid,” coach Randal Ward said News Corp.

The 20-year-old (pictured below right with his parents and sisters) died of a suspected heart attack on the field in suburban Melbourne on December 15.

In his youth, Sprague represented Victoria at state level and headed to Spain and Thailand to pursue his sporting dream

Berwick City SC – where Sprague played his football – posted online that Jem was 'not only an accomplished player on the pitch, but also a beloved teammate and friend to many'

'He ate, slept and drank football.

“Jem had a very natural demeanor that drew people to him.”

Berwick City SC posted online that Jem was 'not only an accomplished player on the pitch, but also a beloved teammate and friend to many'.

Another commenter suggested 'remembering the joy and camaraderie Jem brought to our lives', while a third labeled Sprague a 'beautiful human being with an unparalleled passion and love for football'.

A memorial service for Sprague will take place on December 22 at the Berwick Church of Christ, in Melbourne's south-east.

To help his grieving family, a Go Fund Me page has been established, with more than $12,000 raised as of Wednesday morning.

Sprague is survived by his devastated parents and four sisters.