A 12-year-old goalkeeper died after collapsing during a training session with team-mates.

Ben Scaife, the nephew of former Middlesbrough midfielder Bob Scaife, had a known heart condition, but did not let it spoil his love of football.

He had been enjoying an evening training session at the Centre of Excellence at Scarborough Football Club when he complained of feeling hot and unwell shortly before he collapsed.

Desperate attempts were made to save Ben by coaches and paramedics, but their efforts failed.

Ben's parents, Mike and Linda, both 45, and his brothers, Calum, 20, and Ashley, 16, were being comforted by relatives in Sleights, near Whitby, North Yorkshire, yesterday.

Mr Scaife said: "Ben lived for his football and his school friends. He did have a heart condition ever since he was born, but this never stopped him playing soccer."

Tony Howitt, headteacher at Caedmon School, Whitby, where Ben was a pupil, said: "Ben was a popular pupil who had settled in well at the school and was liked by all who came into contact with him.

"Teachers and friends are devastated, and our heartfelt sympathies and thoughts go out to his family and his friends."

An inquest will not be held into Ben's death and his funeral will take place next week.