FOOTBALL clubs have been leading the tributes to a promising young footballer who died following a collision in Woolston.

Sam Harding died following a road traffic collision at around 9.40pm last night, Sunday, at the age of only 20.

He played for Ashton Athletic FC in the North West Counties Football League team, having also taken to the field for Runcorn Linnets and FC United of Manchester.

Also offering their condolences are Prescot Cables and Glossop North End, for whom Sam also played for.

Tweeting a tribute to Sam, who was previously capped by England Schoolboys, Ashton Athletic said: “We are devastated to hear the news of the passing of 2021/22 first team player Sam Harding.

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

“He was a quiet, well-mannered young man and he will be sorely missed by everyone at the club.

“All our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this terrible time. RIP Sam.”

His former club, FC United of Manchester, also paid tribute to him.

Academy manager Tom Conroy said: “Technically, Sam was one of the best academy players we have ever had, and that was proven when he was successful in England schoolboy trials earning caps for his country.

“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.”

Runcorn Linnets have also paid tribute to Sam, posting on social media: “We are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news that Sam Harding unfortunately lost his life in a car accident yesterday.

“Sam made a handful of appearances for the club at the start of the season. We would like to offer our condolences to Sam’s family and friends.”

Calum McIntrye, first team manager at Linnets, added: “My thoughts are with Sam’s family and friends at the most difficult of times. A lovely lad who had so much to look forward to.

“Such tragic and heart-breaking news to see a life lost so young.”

Cheshire Police confirmed that at around 9.40pm last night, the force was called to reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian on Kingsland Grange in Woolston.

Officers attended the scene and found that the collision involved a black Audi S3 and a 20-year-old pedestrian, who were both believed to be in attendance at the car meet.

The pedestrian was taken to Warrington Hospital, but sadly, despite the best efforts of all those involved, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

He was this morning identified as 20-year-old Sam Harding from Stockport.

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

Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone with any information or video that may aid their investigation.

Statements were issued by Sergeant Simon Degg, from the force’s Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit, as well as a tribute from Sam’s family.

Anyone with any information or video footage which may aid the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Police at cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/ or by calling 101, quoting IML 1242714.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.