Boy, 6, dies suddenly after falling ill during football match as devastated mum pays tribute to ‘courageous’ son

NewsUK News A SIX-YEAR-OLD boy who died suddenly after falling ill while playing football. Max Kuc died unexpectedly on December 15 last year after a match for North East Leeds FC and his mother has paid tribute to her “courageous boy”. As a baby Max battled cancer and a liver transplant but despite facing severe health issues he never stopped loving football. In a fundraiser for the local club, his mum Lucy said he lived a life of “joy and happiness”. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! She added that he will be remembered for his “infectious smile, determination and boundless enthusiasm for the game”. Lucy said she hopes to raise enough money for to cub to have a permanent home and a new 3G pitch. She will be taking part in the Three Peaks this weekend alongside Max’s friends and family. In a tribute on the crowdfundraiser she said : “In December 2025, my courageous boy, Max Kuc suddenly passed away aged six. Max bravely fought, and beat cancer, following a diagnosis aged one that resulted in a liver transplant soon after. “Max went on to battle through chemo, and lived his life full of joy and happiness. “Max was truly special. His energy and personality touched everyone who met him. Most read in The Sun “Sadly, in December 2025 Max suddenly fell ill whilst playing for his beloved North East Leeds. Unfortunately within 24 hours Max had passed away. “His passion was football. In 2023 he joined the local football club, North East Leeds, and this club provided him with friends for life, something he loved every training session and every match.” Lucy’s campaign has already raised £25,000 after donations from the local community. The new facilities is set to benefit more than 800 children and young people. Steve Waide, Chairman at North East Leeds FC, said: “Max Kuc represented everything that makes grassroots football so special, and he made such an impact in such a short time. “Everyone at the club is determined to raise the funds and get our forever home, the most fitting tribute to our forever number 11.”