Melissa Smith death: Euxton FC plan footballer memorial

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The football club where a teenage girl died during a match has announced plans for a permanent memorial to her.

Melissa Smith, 15, was playing for Cadley FC against Euxton Girls at Greenside in Euxton, Chorley, on 19 October when she collapsed.

Euxton under-16s coach Mick Walsh said the club had decided to "do something as a lasting memory to her" - possibly a plaque at the club or a regular memorial match.

Her funeral takes place on Wednesday.

'Celebration of her life'

Melissa fell to the ground shortly before half-time during the under-16s league game.

She was treated at the scene with CPR and a defibrillator but she was pronounced dead at Royal Preston Hospital.

Mr Walsh, coach of the team she had been playing against, said it had been a "traumatic week" for all concerned.

He said a vigil on Tuesday with the girls from Cadley FC was "very humbling" and there was now "a bond between Euxton Girls and Cadley [Girls] that will never be broken".

Mr Walsh said: "People were upset but it was also a celebration of her life.

"We had a meeting with our girls on Friday and they all want to carry on playing football as a tribute to Mel. They also want to do something as a lasting memory to her.

"We're going to discuss it again after the funeral but it could be a regular memorial match or a plaque down at Greenside."

He said the tragedy had brought the football family together, with the club receiving more than 1,600 messages of support and clubs laying flowers at Greenside from all over the world.

"The one thing I can say is Melissa Smith will never be forgotten," he added.

Mr Walsh said Euxton under-16s' game on Sunday against Walsham has been switched to Buckshaw Village "as a mark of respect".