Young football champs have dedicated their title win to the memory of their teammate who tragically lost his life.

Connor McDonald was just nine-years-old when he was swept into the sea near his home in Dymchurch during half term in October last year.

Football was a huge part of his life, and his death shocked his fellow players at Ashford United, with a minute of applause observed before both youth and mens football games across Ashford in tribute to Connor the weekend after he died.

At Connor’s funeral a touching letter sent by Chelsea skipper John Terry was read out to express the club and players’ sadness of losing a keen fan.

Now players at Ashford United’s under 12s have dedicated their league win to Connor and to dad Paul McDonald, who is the team’s manager.

A fellow parent at the club Mary Daly said: “Connor’s death affected everyone that knew him and heard about the terrible accident, but for these boys it has been an emotionally difficult time for them.

“Connor was there when we set up the team and at our first training session and every match for the last three years.

“The boys have shown great courage and passion, at times they have cried when they look around and Connor is not there.

“They wanted to win the title for Paul and Connor. Week in and week out they gave their all to say ‘the league was for you Connor!’

“We feel a bit like Leicester. Our team was made up of boys who were not getting minutes on the pitch with other teams. We do our best to nurture them and let them enjoy the game because all any child wants is to play.

“Like Leicester, the impossible can be possible and dreams can come true. It will be a lovely memory for the boys in what has been a season of such tragedy.”

Dad Paul McDonald said the last few months has been really difficult. He said: “Football was Connor’s life. He was a gifted player and was already being spotted by several clubs.

“After his death I nearly gave up, but I knew he would want me to keep going, as his brothers Declan and Joe love football too.”