Brighouse: Teenager dies after freak tackle in local football match

15-year-old Huw Thatcher was playing for Hepworth United Under-15s in a game against Brighouse Town Juniors in Brighouse, on Sunday.

The Holmfirth High School pupil collapsed in a tackle. He was treated by a doctor at the scene and was rushed to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary where he later died.

Officers from West Yorkshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances, but the coroner had been told.

In a statement, Gail Howe, acting head teacher at Holmfirth High School, said the teenager’s death had affected many at the school.

Ms Howe said: “Clearly, the whole school community is devastated at the news about Huw.

“He was a Year 10 student who was intelligent, popular and respected by his peers. Huw was a polite, conscientious student with a great sense of humour and a cheeky smile.

“Academically, he had a bright future ahead of him.

“Sport was the love of his life - he was a gifted and talented sportsman who captained the school football team with pride and passion.

“Huw will be sorely missed both in and out of the classroom.

“Our thought are very much with Huw’s parents and his sister at this time.

“In school, our priority is to do all we can to support the students, staff and the family over the next few days and weeks.”

The manager of opposition team Brighouse Town Juniors, Nigel Meredith, said Huw died after he was kneed in the head 15 minutes into the second half, as the score stood at 0-0.

He said: “It was a 50/50 challenge, there were two lads going for the ball.

“Our player got there first but their player was coming in with a sliding tackle, our lad had to jump out of the way to dodge the player sliding in and as he jumped over him he caught his head with his knee.

“The young lad was unconscious straight away.”

Hepworth United under 15s is coached and managed by Huw’s father, Nick Thatcher. He immediately ran on to the pitch to get to his son. A GP from the stand went on to the pitch and was administering first aid when an ambulance was called.

Mr Meredith said: “We heard somebody shout ‘he’s not breathing’ and I saw his dad giving him mouth-to-mouth, trying to save his son.

“The ambulance came not long after and he was taken away to hospital.

“The assistant coach from their team was keeping us informed in the early evening as to what was happening. We were devastated to hear he had died.

“Their guy said they had all agreed it was a total accident and there was no malice in it at all. It was a total accident. I’m pretty sick about it.

“All my lads are in shock, we are supposed to be playing in the semi-finals this weekend but I think we’re going to have to call it off, not just as a matter of respect but because none of my lads are wanting to play any more.

“I do not know what their team must be feeling like because our lot are in bits. They are scared of playing again.

“All the parents keep ringing me and asking me what is going on. We have been in touch with the FA because we really don’t know what to do in a situation like this. I’m hoping they can give us some advice.

“My own son played in that game and has faced Huw in regular league matches over the years and he told me he is their best player.

“The lad who hit him has not gone into school today and I know he has been offered counselling if he needs it.

“I would like to send our condolences to Huw’s family on behalf of Brighouse Town Juniors, it’s such a terrible, terrible tragedy.”