A young footballer who spent his 16th birthday in an induced coma after collapsing during a match is making 'good progress'.

Ali Reith was playing with the Welling United U16s team in a pre-season friendly against Dartford at Princes park on Sunday (August 30) when he collapsed.

He was airlifted to King's College Hospital at around 3pm where he was put into an induced coma.

The teenager is said to be making 'good progress' according to Dartford Football Club's Youth Development Centre Manager Phil Murray who has visited him in hospital over the past few days.

News Shopper:

Phil Murray with Ali Reith from his hospital bed. 

A statement from Dartford FC published on Tuesday said: "We are pleased to say that updates from Ali's family seem positive and that he is progressing well, albeit slowly.

"It is his 16th birthday today and we would like you to join everybody at the Club, in wishing Ali a very happy birthday.

"Further updates will come as we hear news of his continued recovery."

A statement from his own team, published on Monday soon after the incident, read: "Everyone at the club would like to extend our best wishes and thoughts to Welling United youth player Ali Reith and his family after yesterday’s incident at Dartford Football Club."