Brit footballer, 30, dies on Amsterdam trip with club ‘heartbroken & devastated’

A death of a British footballer during a trip to Amsterdam has rocked his team who called the player the "heartbeat" of their team.

Charlie Batcup, 30, played for Pontlliw FC in Swansea, South Wales and tragically passed away in the Netherlands as his family and friends paid tribute to him. His loved ones are currently being supported by the Foreign Office as his cause of death has yet to be revealed.

The club released a statement on Sunday (November 19) which read: "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 which we will never be able to replace.

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"A lifelong Pontlliw player with fantastic ability Charlie was a massive asset on the pitch in every team that he played in. Off the field he was the heartbeat of our club community and personified our ethos of camaraderie, inclusivity, and cohesion."

The side said Batcup's input has "shaped this club" in the poignant statement. "However difficult it seems to us right now we believe that Charlie would want us to carry on, to continue growing this great club and achieve our future aspirations," it continued.

"His input has shaped this club over recent years and we will often ponder in the future: 'What would Charlie say?' when faced with a decision to make. Thank you Charlie, you have enriched the lives of all our players and club members. Sleep tight."

His brother, Josh, wrote a heartbreaking tribute for his brother on Facebook where he said he suffered a "bad reaction". "I can’t quite believe I’m writing this but my Brother Charlie has tragically passed away," Josh wrote. "We have all been to Amsterdam and visited those coffee shops. But it had to be you to have a bad reaction and to do what you did.

"You were the heartbeat of Pontlliw Football club and village. There will be an emptiness in many people's lives now you’re gone. You are my only brother and the thought of you not being around anymore is unbearable. Life as I’ve always known it will never again be the same without you in it and not a day will go by when I won’t think about you."

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