Teenage boy dies after football match

A teenage boy has died during a game of weekend football after becoming unresponsive on the field.

At about 12.20pm on Saturday, police and paramedics were called to the Kyneton Football Club, about 86 km northwest of Melbourne, after reports a 17-year-old had become unresponsive during the game.

The Castlemaine teenager was taken to the Kyneton Hospital in a critical condition, where he was waiting to be flown to Melbourne for further treatment.

The boy died before being transferred.

The under-18s match between the Kyneton Tigers and Castlemaine Magpies was called off at quarter after the incident.

A post on the Castlemaine Facebook said the team would be gathering in the afternoon to be together during the difficult time.

“We will be gathering as a community from 4.30pm at social rooms at Camp Reserve, Castlemaine to provide a safe space to be together at this difficult time.”

Local sport teams in the area paid their respects to the club in comments on the Facebook post.

“The South Bendigo FNC extends our thoughts and deepest sympathy to all at the Castlemaine Football Netball Club, especially the family at this sad time,” one club wrote.

“It is unfortunate times like this where our club and the entire Bendigo Football Netball League comes together and supports each other.

“Heartbroken by the news. Condolences to the family and the Castlemaine Football Netball Club community,” the Campbells Creek Colts Cricket Club wrote.

“You’re in our thoughts.”