Former Arsenal youth training player Billy Vega died of serious head injuries and failed treatment at the age of 21. Arsenal officially issued an announcement to commemorate Vega.
According to reports, he hit a concrete wall on the sidelines after saving the ball during the game, causing serious injuries.
Official announcement:
All members of Arsenal Football Club mourn: Chichester City striker and former Arsenal youth training camp player Billy Vega unfortunately passed away.
At the age of 14, Billy was discovered by scouts at the Hof Valley FC, his hometown club, and joined my club's youth training camp as a school boy. At Harende Training Base, the striker showed outstanding talent and scored 17 goals in his first season. In 2020, he won a scholarship contract for his outstanding performance and officially became a full-time student in the 2020/21 season. The students during the same period included active players Charles Sago Jr., Remy Mitchell, as well as Omari Hutchinson, Charlie Pattino, Brooke Norton-Caffe and other players.
Relying on his fast speed, strong body and steel will, although he suffered a serious hamstring injury in the first year of the scholarship season, he scored 4 goals in 18 U18 games in the second season and signed a professional contract with the club at the end of the 2021/22 season.
Billy then represented my club in the Premier League II and EFL Championships, showing his qualities of a forward versatile and even played a guest defender - this kind of versatility is a reflection of his dedication to the coaching staff and the team.
After loan experience at Derby County and Eastbourne Club, he returned to his hometown of South Coast to join Hastings United at the end of the 2023/24 season and transferred to Chichester City last month.
In addition to extraordinary talent, Billy's love for football, his pride in the club (he once called the day of scouting "the most important moment in life"), and his character that is deeply loved by his teammates and coaches will always be remembered.
At this extremely difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to Wagel's family and many close friends.