DEAD: Melissa Smith collapsed during a match at Greenside playing fields on Sunday [ROSSPARRY]

The teen, named locally as Melissa Smith, collapsed during a match for Cadley FC vs Euxton Girls in Euxton, Lancs, on Sunday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 11.30am where she was treated with CPR and a defibrillator.

But the schoolgirl was pronounced dead on arrival to hospital.

Cadly FC club coach Mick Walsh said the incident is like nothing he's ever seen in 40 years of football.

He said: "It happened just before half-time. There was nobody around the girl at the time but she suddenly fell to the ground between the halfway line and the penalty box.

"We got the defibrillator and tried CPR while the ambulance was called.

"We all hoped and prayed that she’d make a full recovery but it was to no avail.

"Our thoughts are with Cadley FC and the family. I’ve been involved in football for 40 years and nothing like this has happened before – and I hope it never happens again."

Club chairman Steve Flynn said everyone is still in "shock" about the incident involving the "lively and energetic" girl.

RESPECT: Tributes have flooded in for the tragic teen [ROSSPARRY]

He said: "Everyone at the club is deeply saddened, it is a big shock.

"All of teams have been informed and we have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support we have received from other teams in the league.

"We are just all in shock and can't imagine what her family must be going through."

Tributes have poured in for the student, who attended Penwortham Girls High School, with people calling Melissa an "amazing bubbly girl".

Jenny Wharton wrote on Facebook: "So sad my daughter played for this team and she was her friend, can’t believe it so tragic RIP x"

Megann Jeory referred to as her "shining star", saying: "The brightest star you light up the sky♥, We’ve lost you but we haven’t forgot you, We will all for ever love you."

And Helen Baldwin warned more needs to be done to prevent such devastating incidents: "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. The government need to screen all young people to help prevent such tragic losses."

A post-mortem examination will take place in the coming weeks to establish a cause of death.