ALL under-eight football fixtures at Epping Youth FC have been postponed after the grandfather of a player died watching a game.

The unnamed 78-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the edge of the pitch at Stonards Hill in Epping just before 11am on Sunday (January 24).

Despite the best efforts of members of the public, St John ambulance volunteers, ambulance crews and air ambulance staff, the pensioner was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Guardian understands that the man was a keen supporter of Epping Youth FC and would regularly come to watch his grandson play seven-a-side games at Stonards Hill Recreation Ground.

Staff at Epping Town Council, which owns the site, Epping FC, health staff and those at Epping Youth FC have all expressed their sadness at the death.

John Newman, head of Epping St John Ambulance volunteers unit, said everyone at the scene had done everything they could to save the man.

He said: "The family can be reassured that he got the best possible help available.

"Straight away a member of the public began giving him CPR, which is always an extremely important thing to do in such situations.

"Our community responders were then on the scene very quickly, and the other crews also arrived soon after.

“It was a very upsetting incident but we are pleased that our volunteers were able to get there so quickly and give him every chance.”

Neil Camp, secretary of Epping Youth FC, said: “We are all very shook up by what happened.

“I arrived about fifteen minutes after it happened but I can tell you everyone acted with the utmost professionalism and the emergency services were absolutely fantastic.

“As soon as it happened the games were called off and the children were moved out of the way.

“We are all there because we just want to see children enjoying themselves playing football – you don't expect anything of this sort to happen.”

A statement from the West Essex and East Herts League, which organises Epping Youth FC's games at Stonards Hill, said all games would be postponed next week as a mark of respect.

If you are interested in helping the St John's ambulance first responder unit in the Epping area, call Sandra Newman on 01992 572545.

If you would like to pay your tributes contact reporter Daniel Binns on 0779 547 6625 or email dbinns@london.newsquest.co.uk