A football club has announced it has retired a shirt number in honour of a six-year-old boy who died suddenly.

Tributes have been pouring in for schoolboy Jack Stewart, who died on Sunday.

The Sidlaw View Primary School pupil had been a Dundee West FC player from the age of three.

As well as retiring Jack’s number 19 shirt on the 2016 squad, the club have also launched a fundraiser for his family.

A club spokesperson told Sky News: “It is completely devastating for us all and [we] can’t imagine the pain the family are in.”

The fundraiser has so far raised more than £8,000.

The spokesperson added: “We have been completely overwhelmed with the response from the football community nationally and have also been receiving goodwill messages from Europe and even the US.

“It really is amazing the power of football in such sad circumstances.”

Read more Scotland news:
Plans for Scotland’s third national park
‘World’s first’ driverless bus service doesn’t quite live up to the hype

In a nod to Jack’s age, a minute’s applause will take place six-minutes in during the Dundee United and Ross County game on Saturday.

The Tangerines have also invited the players and parents from the 2016s team to the Scottish Premiership match to observe the tribute.

The Dundee West spokesperson said: “This has been a brilliant gesture from United.”

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

The club passed on its condolences to Jack’s dad Ian, mum Jillian and younger sister Rebecca.

Speaking about the fundraiser and shirt retirement, the spokesperson added: “These are short-term, small things we can do to try and ease a little bit of pain for the family just now.

“Longer-term we will look to pay tribute to Jack in fitting ways which will keep [him a] part of the Dundee West family.”

Related posts:

Oxford academics accused of ‘punishing students’ after boycott over Cecil Rhodes statue Boy, 15, charged with murder of teenager in Woolwich ‘Hopefully we can put a smile on your face’: Kane’s video message to family of two-year-old with cancer Eight million Britons unable to buy essential food items in last fortnight, ONS survey suggests Christian Eriksen unveiled by Brentford but no date set for his return after cardiac arrest Four people arrested on suspicion of murder after two killed in three-car crash P&O Ferries suspends all sailings ahead of ‘major announcement’ Athlete set to represent England at the Commonwealth Games shares story of homelessness and spells in immigration detention centres Police investigating 117 reported sightings of missing student nurse Laura Whitmore announces she is not hosting next series of Love Island Royal tailor: ‘If there was a fight over Princess Charlotte’s bridesmaid dress, I didn’t see it’ Labour wins West Lancashire by-election – and gain vote share