Tonbridge Angels FC will be introducing heart screening for all players between the ages of 14 and 35 following the tragic death of trialist, Junior Dian.

The 24-year-old collapsed and died during a pre-season friendly match against Whyteleafe FC at their Surrey-based ground earlier this month.

The screening costs £35 per player which chairman of the club, Steve Churcher, believes seems a small price to pay if a life can be saved.

It’s hoped the programme will be up and running within six months.

A day of remembrance was held in the days after Mr Dian's death. Dozens of players, friends, fans and family gathered to pay their respects to the young player.

Mr Churcher added: “Since the tragic event I’ve learnt that 12 apparently fit and healthy young people die suddenly in the UK every week.

"In Italy, where screening is mandatory for all young people engaged in organised sport they have reduced the incidence of young sudden cardiac death by 89% which is an incredible statistic.”

The club is leading a campaign with other Kent and South East clubs and sporting bodies to raise £21,000 for the screening.

The campaign, named Football Fightback, will be carried out alongside Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) a charity which promotes the prevention of young sudden cardiac deaths through awareness, screening and research.

Melvin Slight, TAFC physio, who along with his counterpart from Whyteleafe did all they could to keep Junior alive, added: “None of us who witnessed a young man losing his life ever wish to have to go through that experience again.

"If through this campaign we identify just one person with a minor heart defect then it is a small price to pay. We need to take something positive from this tragic experience and to create a legacy from Junior’s untimely passing.”

Various fund raising activities to be announced very soon are currently being planned. A donations page has been set up online to which anyone can subscribe. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/footballfightback

So far more than £100 has been raised. To follow the campaigns progress on Twitter follow @FBFightback

Money raised will go towards the first three screening days which will run in January and February 2016.