A footballer who suffered from a rare heart condition and was warned to give up sport, has collapsed and died during training.

Father-of-two Chris Sturges collapsed during a routine training session for Kennington United at Kennington Social and Sports Club.

He lost consciousness and the team manager Dave Kingsbury tried to resuscitate him, but to no avail.

The 32-year-old, of Meadow View, Kennington, was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, by ambulance, but was pronounced dead shortly after collapsing at about 7.20pm on Tuesday (August 28). A post-mortem was due to take place today (Friday).

It is feared Mr Sturges may have died as a result of a rare heart condition.

He had known he had the condition since aged 16, and was warned to give up sport.

But the energetic player, who also loved to play rugby and often went swimming with his sons, Conner, two, and Shey, whose first birthday is this Saturday, refused to give in to the illness. He led an active life for many years.

Mr Sturges, who would cycle to work at the BMW car plant in Cowley, was a devoted Aston Villa fan who had played for Kennington since he was 16. Affectionately known as 'Pud', he was a popular man in the village.

Kennington reserves team manager Chris Collis today paid tribute to his friend. He said: "Chris was a great friend and great father to his two sons. He was always a clean player, a good sport - I can't remember him ever being sent off.

"Chris was well liked by everybody. He was always a good laugh. He was a super best mate.

"He had known about his condition and was advised to give up sport and smoking, but he was so involved in sport it was hard to do. He loved rugby and football so much."

"Everyone on the pitch at the time did everything they could to help him. I want to thank the ambulance service and everyone at the hospital for everything they did."