The parents of a teenager who was formerly a Gillingham FC youth squad player have been left devastated by his sudden death.

Jack Maddams was set to celebrate his 18th birthday this coming Tuesday - now the date of his funeral.

The youngster was found dead by his mother, Janet, at the family home in Georgian Way, Wigmore, Gillingham, last Sunday. Doctors have so far been unable to explain the tragedy.

Jack was part of the Gillingham youth team from the ages of eight to 15, before leaving to join the under-18s squad of Ryman Youth League side Tonbridge Angels. He was also captain of the Rochester Math School football team.

Jack didn’t just shine at soccer. Off the pitch he was displaying a gift for art and planned to study an arts foundation course at the University College for the Creative Arts. One of his paintings, a self-portrait, is currently hung in the reception area at Rochester Math School.

Head teacher Keith Williams said: “Jack was everything the school could have hoped for in a student – academically he was very able and he was also an outstanding sportsman.

“Jack’s commitment was second to none – he led by example, both on and off the sports field and was an excellent role model for younger pupils.”

Jack’s father, Roger, said: “He had a lot of friends and there were a couple of teachers at the school he was very close to."

A prize fund is being established in Jack’s memory at the school with an award given at the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony.

FULL STORY IN THE MEDWAY MESSENGER