Tributes have been paid to an 18-year-old footballer found dead in his home.
Ryan Evans, the captain of Mansfield Town's under-18s squad, the Stags, had accepted a place in the club's under-21s line up.
The Stags confirmed he died at home last week. The cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
Academy coach Jamie McGuire said: "We are all desperately sorry to learn of this news and our thoughts and prayers are sent to Ryan's family at this sad time.
"As a player, Ryan was a fantastic leader, always willing to learn and had a never-ending enthusiasm to do the best he could. It was for these reasons, amongst others, that I made him my captain last season.
"We'll remember him as a smiling young man, with a great energy and charm.
Chief executive officer Carolyn Radford added: "We are deeply saddened to learn of Ryan's passing; a young and talented footballer who was looking forward to under-21s football with us next season.
"To lose someone so young is heartbreaking for Ryan's family and as a club we will support them in every way we can.
"Our heartfelt thoughts are with Ryan's loved ones, whist we will remember Ryan and his family in our prayers."
Mansfield's CEO Carolyn Radford added: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Ryan’s passing; a young and talented footballer who was looking forward to U21s football with us next season.
"To lose someone so young is heartbreaking for Ryan’s family and as a club we will support them in every way we can.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with Ryan’s loved ones, whist we will remember Ryan and his family in our prayers.”
Evans had been playing for Quorn FC in the Midland Football League Premier Division, and the club also paid tribute following news of his death.
In a statement on Twitter, they said: "All at Quorn FC are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of one the club’s first team players & great prospects, Ryan Evans.
"Aged only 18, Ryan made a great impression on all that he came into contact with on, and more importantly off the pitch, carrying himself with a professionalism and maturity that belied his age.
"Our sincerest thoughts and condolences go out to the family & friends of Ryan as we mourn the loss of a much loved and respected member of the Quorn FC family."
Additional reporting by the Press Association
