British footballer, 30, dies during trip to Amsterdam: Team pays tribute to the ‘heartbeat of our club’ following tragic death

• Charlie Batcup was just 30 years old when he died on a trip to Amsterdam
• The Pontlliw FC player was called a ‘dear friend’ by his club
• The cause of Charlie’s death is not currently known

A British footballer has died during a trip to Amsterdam – with his devastated team paying tribute to the ‘heartbeat’ of their club.

Charlie Batcup, 30, was described as a ‘dear friend’ by his ‘heartbroken and devastated’ club, Pontlliw FC in Swansea, South Wales, after his tragic death in the Netherlands.

The cause of Mr Batcup’ss death has not yet been revealed. His grieving family is now being supported by the Foreign Office. 

In a statement, the club said: ‘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.

Charlie Batcup (pictured) was just 30 when he passed away on a trip to Amsterdam

A cause of death has not yet been revealed, but Charlie’s brother said in a Facebook post: ‘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’

‘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.

‘We are struggling to imagine an away day, social event, or even a Saturday afternoon without Charlie’s presence and he will always be in our thoughts now and forever.

‘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.

‘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.’

He played for Pontlliw FC in Swansea, South Wales, and the team says it is ‘heartbroken and devastated.’

Charlie’s devastated family is now being supported by the Foreign Office following the news of his death.

The cause of the promising footballer’s death has not yet been revealed, and his devastated family is now being supported by the Foreign Office following the news of his death. 

His brother, Josh, wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post: ‘I can’t quite believe I’m writing this but my Brother Charlie has tragically passed away.

‘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 peoples lives now you’re gone. 

His brother, Josh, wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post: ‘I can’t quite believe I’m writing this but my Brother Charlie has tragically passed away’

‘You were quite simply an amazing person and were so well loved by everyone that knew you,’ his brother Josh wrote on Facebook

Wales international Joe Rodon (pictured) wore a shirt in tribute to Charlie beneath his kit at the Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia on Saturday

‘You were quite simply an amazing person and were so well loved by everyone that knew you. You were one of a kind and brought laughter every time you were around.

‘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.

‘I love you so so much Charl, I just wish I could tell you this in person one more time.

‘Rest in peace little bro, I will miss you immensely for the rest of my life.’

Wales international Joe Rodon wore a shirt in tribute to Charlie beneath his kit at the Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia on Saturday.

An FCDO spokesman said: ‘We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in the Netherlands and are in contact with the local authorities.’

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