AFL Castlemaine footballer, 17, collapses and dies during Bendigo League match in Kyneton Victoria

A teenage boy collapsed and later died on Saturday afternoon during an under-18s footy game in country Victoria, police have revealed. 

The youngster, remembered online by friends as ‘such a nice kid’, was playing for Castlemaine against Kyneton in the Bendigo League when the tragedy happened. 

‘Emergency services were called to reports of an unresponsive boy at a football field on Mollison Street, Kyneton, about 12.20pm,’ said a Victoria Police spokesman.

‘A 17-year-old boy from Castlemaine was taken to hospital where he later died. 

‘Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the death of a teenager in Kyneton on Saturday, May 27.

‘The exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be determined but the matter is not being treated as suspicious.’

Police said the boy was found unresponsive at a football field on Mollison Street, Kyneton, and taken to hospital where later died

Castlemaine Football Netball Club held an impromptu gathering at the the Camp Reserve in Castlemaine for member, friends, family and supporters.

A senior match planned for later in the day was cancelled. 

‘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,’ the club posted on social media.

‘Hard to believe something like this can happen in junior football. My heart goes out to all,’ posted one local.

‘My son plays for u18 as well and I can’t even begin to imagine how hard this would be.’

Another added: ‘Absolutely devastating. Thinking of all involved.’

Castlemaine Football Netball Club held an impromptu community gathering at the the Camp Reserve in Castlemaine. A senior match planned for later in the day was cancelled