Tributes are being paid to an ex-England schoolboy footballer who died after being hit by a vehicle at a “car meet”.

Sam Harding, from Stockport, was described as an “absolute dream to work with” and “a great role model” following his death in Warrington on Sunday, aged 20.

Police have launched an investigation after Mr Harding, a pedestrian, was hit by a black Audi S3.

The driver of the car, a 21-year-old man from Morley, Leeds was arrested at the scene on suspicion causing death by dangerous driving.

Midfielder Mr Harding was a current first team player at non-league side Ashton Athletic and had previously played for clubs including FC United of Manchester and England schoolboys.

In a tribute, his family said: “Our beautiful son was tragically taken away from us on Sunday, 10 April, 2022. A much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to many.

“We will never ever forget you Sam and will love you forever. Rest in peace sweet angel, love Mum, Dad and Amy.”

Denise Welch: Stalker jailed for starting fire in Loose Women star’s driveway

Drug dealer caught with £420k of cocaine after car breaks down on motorway

Jackie Weaver ‘did not have the authority’ to eject councillors from meeting, reports find

Ashton Athletic praised their teammate, saying that he will be “sorely missed”.

“Sam was only at our club for one season and was a huge factor in our improved form since his arrival,” they said.

“Sam was a quality midfield player who never stopped working for the team.

“He was an absolute dream to work with for the management team, kind, polite, hard working and professional.

“He would come into the clubhouse after a game and you wouldn’t believe he’d never stopped running for 90 minutes, he looked like he’d been for a stroll in the park such were his fitness levels and of course his dedication to the sport he loved.”

English Schools’ Football Association wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former England schoolboy, Sam Harding this week. Sam represented England in the 2018/19 season, scoring goals in friendlies against both UCFB and the RAF.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terrible time.”

‘A perfect example of the type of player we want at the club’

Tom Conroy, academy manager at FC United of Manchester, said Mr Harding was one of the best academy players the club has ever had and “a great role model”.

He added: “Sam is always spoken about to future academy players as a perfect example of the type of player we want at the club, not only with regards to the standard of footballing ability but the type of person he was – kind, polite, hard working and professional.

“He will be sadly missed and I would like to pass my love and condolences to Sam’s family.”

Police are appealing for witnesses and video footage after the fatal collision in Warrington.

Sergeant Simon Degg, from the Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit at Cheshire Constabulary said: “We know that there were a large number of people present at the ‘car meet’ and as part of our investigation we are keen to hear from witnesses.”

Related posts:

‘Teachers know us better than an algorithm’: Students support exam grades decision ‘It didn’t hurt at all’: Queen urges people unsure about COVID jab to get vaccinated Animal rescue charity’s centres ‘at capacity’ due to lockdown puppies UK records a further 20,479 coronavirus cases and 23 deaths UK ‘increasingly confident’ more countries will move to amber or green travel lists Laura Kenny makes history with fifth cycling gold – as Team GB medal haul continues Scotland to rule on right to kill beavers Rules on waste water discharge eased due to supply shortages linked to Brexit and pandemic Parts of England and Wales could see heatwave with temperatures of up to 30C Joey Barton cleared of assaulting rival football manager after match What is the Nationality and Borders Bill and why is it so controversial? Inciting hostility on basis of sex or gender should be hate crime, Law Commission says