Everton pay tribute to young Jack Riding after tragic death

Everton FC have paid tribute to a young footballer who played for the club as a schoolboy.

Jack Riding,18, died in hospital on Wednesday after falling ill during a game of five-a-side on Monday. Jack's death has sparked an outpouring of grief across Merseyside's footballing community.
Jack, from Crosby , was a talented footballer who joined Everton's Pre-Academy as a schoolboy.

Paul Bennett, Pre-Academy Phase Lead at Everton , worked with Jack at the club.

He told the ECHO: "Jack was with us at Pre-Academy and signed for a season at Under-9 level. He was a lovely boy to coach, and his family were always supportive."
Everton's Academy Director Joel Waldron added: “Everyone at Everton Football Club would like to pass on their heartfelt and deepest condolences to the Riding family at this sad time.”

In a statement Jack's club Prescot Cables Reserves said Jack was popular at the club, and had a bright future.

Their statement added: "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."
The club has called on both Everton and Liverpool fans to give Jack a round of applause during the third minute of their next home games. Jack wore the number three shirt club for Prescot Cables Reserves.

Many ECHO readers offered their sympathy and love to Jack's family following his death.
Clubs across the regions have also offered support.

Liverpool County FA tweeted: "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."

Jack's club has said today's home game against Rainhill Reserves will be a tribute to his life. The game will take place at Prescot Soccer Centre on Warrington Road, with kick-off at 3pm.