Get the Echo newsletter - it has never been more important to stay informed Sign me up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The Merseyside footballing community have united along with ECHO readers to send love and support to the family of a promising young footballer who died aged just 18.

Crosby teenager Jack Riding died in hospital on Wednesday after falling ill during a game of football on Monday.

Jack's club Prescot Cables Reserves called on Liverpool and Everton fans to give a round of applause during the third minute of their next home games in memory of their player, who wore the number three shirt for the club.

The club also released a statement paying tribute to the teenager.

It read: "Jack was a member of the Reserve Team squad and had also represented South Liverpool, a promising footballer who was being tipped to move into the first team.

"He was taken ill whilst playing 5-a-side football on Monday evening. He was a very popular young man who had a bright future ahead of him. Jack’s loss will be keenly felt by his teammates, the club as a whole and by the wider football community."

Now ECHO readers have offered their sympathy to Jack's family. Gill Dougherty said: "Thinking of jacks family at this devastating time so so sorry for your loss."

Annalisa Rose said: "Thoughts are with his family and friends as have been all week."

Betty Williams said: "So sad to be taken so young RIP Thinking of all his family at this sad time from all in Liverpool."

Lisa Cooke said: "Heartbreaking RIP jack thinking of all your family and friends."

Paul Brannan said: "Worst nightmare for his poor family and everyone that knew this young man! Tragic."

Debbie Brady said: "Heartbreaking. Thinking of all his family and friends."

The news of Jack's death sparked messages of support and sadness from across Merseyside's football community.

Liverpool County FA said: "Everybody at #Liverpool County FA was deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of talented Jack Riding. Our thoughts are with all of Jack's family, friends and all at @PrescotCablesFC at this time."

Stoneycroft AFC posted a message which read: "Deepest condolences to the club and family of Jack.

"All connected with Stoneycroft are keeping him in our thoughts and prayers" and Rainford Utd, who added: "Terrible news, condolences to the family and the club."

North West Counties League club Lower Breck FC wrote "such sad news...Deepest sympathy to Jack’s family and thoughts go out to all at your club."

Jack's former college, Sacred Heart, posted a tribute which read: "The college community is both shocked and devastated at the loss of Jack, a young man of talent and kindness who had a great future in front of him.

"At this time our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with his friends and all of those touched by this tragic loss."

A fundraising campaign , setup to support Jack's family, has raised £2,000. A tweet calling for a Liverpool and Everton to host a minute's silence before their weekend games has been shared over a thousand times.