A Dartford football club held a memorial service to pay tribute to one of their players who died unexpectedly.

Christon Sookoo, 30, suddenly lost his life on Tuesday night (December 1) – sending shock waves through Saturday senior team Halls Athletic Football Club.

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Flowers and Mr Sookoo's shirt were on show

It is not yet known what caused the death of the fitness instructor - who leaves behind a girlfriend.

The memorial service took place last night (December 2) at the club's training ground in Princes Park and saw nearly 200 people turned up.

Halls AFC boss Chris Michaelas, 28, of Danson Road, Bexleyheath, said: “Christon’s passing has really hit myself and the players hard – he was the life and soul of the team.

“He was always smiling, so bubbly and a very likeable bloke.

“We were shocked at how many people turned up – nearly 200 people were there despite the short three hour notice.

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Christon Sookoo

“It was such an emotional night as he was in his element when playing football.

“I thought it was a sick joke when looking through social media but later on in the day I was told by his friends he had died. It took hours for me to put it into reality.”

Tribute posts on the club’s Facebook page have already reached 45,000 views in just 24 hours.

Halls AFC are set to play through the pain when they take part in the Hospital Charity Cup competition on Saturday.

The match will be dedicated to Mr Sookoo.

All teams in the Kent County Football League will hold a minute’s silence in memory of the player.

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Halls AFC manager Chris Michaelas

Mr Michaelas added: “After thinking about it, we’re going ahead with our cup game on the weekend.

“Christon actually scored in the final of this cup competition and it was honestly one of the best goals I’ve ever seen – a volley from 35 yards.

“We really want to play the game for him.

 


 

 


 

“I’m really going to miss standing in the pub with him after games, in the dressing room, sitting in cafes – just everything, everywhere.”

Mr Sookoo, a Dartford resident, had been playing with Halls AFC for six years – predominantly as a striker, he was deployed in central midfield and on the wing.

Mr Michaelas says he was having one of the best ever seasons for the club and praised his effect on younger players.

The caterer said: “I’ve been his manager since he arrived at the training ground all those years ago.

“He has been our best player this season and was having the best season of his life.

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People gather to pay tribute to Mr Sookoo

“You’d always see him interacting with junior players - giving advice and joking around with them.

“Some younger players were at the memorial service yesterday and were in bits - he was an inspiration to them.”

Would you like to leave a tribute? Email jake.bacon@london.newsquest.co.uk​