A British footballer has died during a trip to Amsterdam as his devastated team paid tribute to the ‘heartbeat’ of their club.
Charlie Batcup, 30, has been described as a “dear friend” by his ‘heartbroken and devastated’ club, Pontlliw FC in Swansea, South Wales, following his tragic death in the Netherlands.
The cause of Mr Batcup’s death has not yet been revealed. His grieving family is now being supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement, the club said: ‘Pontlliw FC is heartbroken and devastated to announce that our player, clubman and dear friend Charlie Batcup has tragically passed away.
“Charlie was a huge part of the club in a way that words cannot describe and his passing has left a huge void in our club that we will never be able to replace.
Charlie Batcup (photo) was only 30 when he died during a trip to Amsterdam
A cause of death has not yet been announced, but Charlie’s brother said in a Facebook post: ‘We’ve all been to Amsterdam and visited those coffee shops. But it had to be on you to have a bad reaction and do what you did’
“A lifelong Pontlliw player with fantastic skills, Charlie was a huge asset on the pitch in every team he played on.
‘Off the pitch, he was the heartbeat of our club community and personified our ethos of camaraderie, inclusivity and cohesion.
‘We struggle to imagine a day out, a social event or even a Saturday afternoon without Charlie’s presence and he will always be in our thoughts, now and forever.
“As difficult as it may seem at the moment, we believe Charlie would want us to carry on, continue to grow this great club and achieve our future ambitions.
‘His input has shaped this club in recent years and we will often ask ourselves in the future: ‘What would Charlie say?’ when you are faced with a decision you need to make. Thank you Charlie, you have enriched the lives of all our players and club members. Sleep well.’
He played for Pontlliw FC in Swansea, South Wales, and the team says it is ‘heartbroken and devastated’.
Charlie’s devastated family are now being supported by the Foreign Office following news of his death.
The cause of the promising footballer’s death has not yet been revealed, and his devastated family are now being supported by the Foreign Office following news of his death.
His brother Josh wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post: ‘I can’t quite believe I’m writing this, but my brother Charlie has tragically passed away.
‘We have all been to Amsterdam and visited those coffee shops. But it had to be on you to have a bad reaction and do what you did.
‘You were the heartbeat of the football club and the village of Pontlliw. There will be a void in many people’s lives now that you are gone.
His brother Josh wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post: ‘I can’t quite believe I’m writing this but my brother Charlie has tragically passed away’
“You were simply an amazing person and you were so loved by everyone you knew,” his brother Josh wrote on Facebook
Wales international Joe Rodon (pictured) wore a shirt in tribute to Charlie under his kit during the Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia on Saturday
“You were simply an amazing person and you were so loved by everyone you knew. You were unique and brought a smile every time you were around.
‘You are my only brother and the thought of you being gone is unbearable. Life as I’ve always known it will never be the same without you in it and not a day will go by that I don’t think of you.
“I love you so much Charl, I wish I could tell you this in person one more time.
“Rest in peace little brother, I will miss you dearly for the rest of my life.”
Wales international Joe Rodon wore a shirt in tribute to Charlie under his kit during the Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia on Saturday.
An FCDO spokesperson said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who died in the Netherlands and are in contact with local authorities.’