Tributes have been paid to a 17-year-old footballer of ‘incredible talent’ who died during a match on Wednesday when his cousin – Sheffield United player Rhian Brewster – poignantly pointed skyward after scoring last night.
Kaylen Dennis, an under-23 player for Walthamstow Football Club, tragically died while on the pitch, according to a statement from the semi-professional London club, which said it was ‘devastated’ by the news.
On X this morning, the club said: ‘We are devastated to hear that one of our U23 players, Kaylen Dennis, has passed away during a match.
“We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him.”
Last night Sheffield United player Rhian Brewster, a cousin of the tragic teenager, pointed his right finger towards the sky in a moving gesture as he scored the first goal against Millwall at The Den in a Sky Bet Championship match.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield after the match, which ended 1-0 to the Blades, he said of his ‘bittersweet’ goal: ‘I want to dedicate that goal to my younger cousin. He passed away earlier today before the game, so that’s one for him and the family.
‘It was a very tough time [for the family]but I played for him today and I was very happy to come away with a goal, and that’s for him.”
In oneIn tribute, Scott Chickelday – who, according to his LinkedIn profile, is a UEFA-licensed coach, formally of Tottenham and QPR Academy – described the youngster as “a talented footballer” who was also “a great character and person!”
Tributes have been paid to Kaylen Dennis, a 17-year-old footballer for Walthamstow FC’s under-23 team, who died during a match last weekend
Kaylen’s cousin, Sheffield United player Rhian Brewster, was seen poignantly pointing to the sky during his match against Milwall last night
Walthamstow FC said it was ‘devastated’ to hear of Kaylen’s death during a match
He said: ‘Heartbreaking to hear yesterday that a 17-year-old boy I had the privilege of knowing and with incredible talent passed away on the football field yesterday. Kaylen Dennis was not only a talented football player, but also a great character and person!
“I am absolutely devastated by his parents – a good friend of mine, Kevin and Kaylen’s mother Natasha.
“God bless Kaylen Fly High champion.”
Walthamstow Reserves FC described Kaylen as ‘a child with the brightest future’.
A statement said: ‘Words cannot describe how we feel about this news today.
‘A boy with the brightest future, besides being a talented young footballer, he was also a blessed young man.
“Our football family will rally around his family during this difficult time.
‘Rest in perfect peace Kaylen Dennis.’
Scott Chickelday – who, according to his LinkedIn profile, is a UEFA-licensed coach, formally of Tottenham and QPR Academy – described the youngster as ‘a talented footballer’
Billy Cove posted a tribute to ‘one of the brightest talents alive’
The youngster started playing for Ryan FC four years ago, according to a posted tribute
Hashtag United, a team in the regional Isthmian League, recalled how “Kaylen scored a screamer against our reserve team a few weeks ago.”
They added: “Hearing this news now is beyond sad.
“Everyone at Hashtag would like to send our sincere condolences to Kaylen’s family, friends and everyone at Walthamstow.”
Among the many personal tributes left, one described Kaylen as “great kid, great talent, so well mannered and respectful, always with a smile on his face.”
Ryan FC, which manages more than 30 teams from under-6s to seniors, revealed that Kaylen started playing for them four years ago.
In a statement they said: ‘We are so angry and devastated at Ryan FC, who Kaylen started playing for at the age of 13 and saw him progress to senior football with our partner club Walthamstow FC.
‘His parents Kevin and Natasha have been extremely supportive and all our thoughts are with them and their family.’
MailOnline has contacted Walthamstow FC for comment.