A British footballer died during a trip to Amsterdam, while his devastated team paid tribute to the “heartbeat” of their club.
Charlie Batcup, 30, was described as a “dear friend” by his “heartbroken and devastated” club, Pontlliw FC in Swansea, South Wales, following his tragic death in Holland.
Mr Batcup’s cause of death has not yet been revealed. His grieving family now has the support of the Foreign Office.
In a statement, the club said: “Pontlliw FC is heartbroken and devastated to announce that our player, club man and dear friend Charlie Batcup has tragically passed away.
“Charlie was a huge part of the club in a way that words cannot describe and his passing has left a huge void in our club that we will never be able to replace.
Charlie Batcup (pictured) was just 30 years old when he died on a trip to Amsterdam.
The cause of death has not yet been revealed, but Charlie’s brother said in a Facebook post: “We’ve all been to Amsterdam and visited those coffee shops. But you had to be the one who had a bad reaction and did what you did ‘
“A lifelong Pontlliw player with fantastic ability, Charlie was a great asset on the field in every team he played for.
‘Off the field, he was the heart of our club community and embodied our spirit of camaraderie, inclusion and cohesion.
‘We are struggling to imagine a day out, a social event or even a Saturday afternoon without Charlie’s presence and he will always be in our thoughts, now and forever.
“As difficult as it may seem for us now, we believe Charlie would want us to move forward, to continue growing this great club and achieving our future aspirations.
“His contributions have shaped this club over recent years and we will often ask ourselves in the future: ‘What would Charlie say?’ when we are faced with a decision to make. Thank you Charlie, you have enriched the lives of all our players and club members. Deep dream.’
He played for Pontlliw FC in Swansea, South Wales, and the team says they are “heartbroken and devastated.”
Charlie’s devastated family are now supported by the Foreign Office following the news of his death.
The promising footballer’s cause of death has yet to be revealed, and his devastated family are now supported by the Foreign Office following news of his death.
His brother Josh wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post: “I can’t believe I’m writing this but my brother Charlie tragically passed away.”
‘We’ve all been to Amsterdam and visited those cafes. But you had to be the one who had a bad reaction and did what you did.
‘You were the heartbeat of the Pontlliw football club and town. There will be a void in many people’s lives now that you are gone.
His brother Josh wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post: “I can’t believe I’m writing this but my brother Charlie tragically passed away.”
“You were just an amazing person and were loved by everyone who knew you,” his brother Josh wrote on Facebook.
Wales international Joe Rodon (pictured) wore a T-shirt in tribute to Charlie under his kit in the Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia on Saturday.
‘You were just an amazing person and were very loved by everyone who knew you. You were unique and made people laugh every time you were around.
‘You are my only brother and the thought of you no longer being here is unbearable. Life as I have always known it will never be the same without you and not a day will go by when I don’t think of you.
‘I love you so much Charl, I wish I could tell you in person one more time.
“Rest in peace little brother, I will miss you immensely for the rest of my life.”
Wales international Joe Rodon wore a T-shirt in tribute to Charlie under his kit in the Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia on Saturday.
An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who died in the Netherlands and are in contact with local authorities.”
