Loving tributes paid to 'quiet and kind' young goalkeeper, 18, who died suddenly

Loving tributes have been paid to a "quiet and kind" young goalkeeper who died suddenly aged 18. Igor Jonczyk passed away on Friday, April 1, after falling ill earlier last month, Denbigh Town FC said.

Igor, originally from Poland, moved to North Wales when he was nine with his two elder brothers, mum Agnieszka and father Artur, and they settled in Ruthin. He passed away surrounded by his family at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester.

Described as a "promising and popular member of the football team" with a "flamboyant playing style" Igor was taken to Glan Clwyd hospital on March 3 before being transferred to Manchester where it become apparent that he had been suffering from an underlying heart condition.

Igor played in goal for Ruthin juniors until he was 16 before signing for the Denbigh Development team where he soon became a popular member of the squad before moving up to be the goalkeeper for Denbigh Reserves.

Reserve team manager Gethin Jones said: "Igor was a player of high potential but above that a great member of the squad.

“He was a quiet and kind lad who gave us everything. His sudden loss will be felt both on and off the field. My thoughts are with his friends and family."

The club said Igor’s family have been left "completely shocked and numbed" by their loss and are looking to hold a memorial service before taking Igor back to Poland for the funeral.

Club secretary Stephen Whitfield added: "I have to say that Igor was an interesting player to watch as he always managed to do something spectacular during a game.

“He had progressed well and had, in fact, trained with the first team earlier this season.

“This news has come out of the blue and the whole club is shocked and upset. I cannot imagine how his