TRIBUTES have been paid to a young Vale of Clwyd footballer who has died at the age of 18. 

Denbigh Town Football Club goalkeeper Igor Jonczyk, described as a popular player of high potential, died on Friday.

A statement on the Denbigh Town FC website read: "Igor came over to Wales from Poland when he was nine years of age with his father Artur, his mother Agnieszka and two elder brothers Fillipe and Szymon and they settled in Ruthin."

Clubs in Conwy and Denbighshire - incuding Colwyn Bay, Kinmel Bay, Rhuddlan, Prestatyn, and Conwy - have paid tribute to Igor.

He played as a goalkeeper in the Ruthin junior set-up until the age of 16, before he signed for Denbigh Town's development team.

Soon, he became a popular member of the squad before moving up to become the goalkeeper for Denbigh Town Reserves.

Noted for his flamboyant playing style and acrobatic saves, this only increased his popularity with his team-mates and supporters.

The club statement continued: "We are aware he became unwell recently and attended Glan Clwyd hospital on March 3 before being transferred to Manchester.

"It has now become apparent that he had been suffering from an underlying heart condition which was to prove so devastating.

"He passed away on Friday, April 1 surrounded by his loving family at Wythenshaw hospital."

Rhyl Journal: Igor Jonczyk has tragically died at just 18Igor Jonczyk has tragically died at just 18

 

Denbigh Town reserve team manager Gethin Jones said: "Igor was a player of high potential but above that a great member of the squad.

"He was a quiet and kind lad who gave us everything.

"His sudden loss will be felt both on and off the field.

"My thoughts are with his friends and family."

Denbigh Town secretary Stephen Whitfield said: "I have to say that Igor was an interesting player to watch as he always managed to do something spectacular during a game.

"He had progressed well and had, in fact, trained with the first team earlier this season.

"This news has come out of the blue and the whole club is shocked and upset.

"I cannot imagine how his family and his many close friends must be feeling."

Mr Whitfield added: "He did do the spectacular saves and he was an entertaining goalkeeper."

There will be a minute's silence in memory of Igor before the Ardal North West League derby match at Central Park between Denbigh Town and St Asaph City on Wednesday evening at 7.30pm.