FOOTBALL clubs have played tribute to a young man who played in goal for teams in North Wales and Chester.

Joshua Jason Atkin, 26, from the Saltney area, died in the early hours of Sunday morning following a collision on the A483 in Wrexham.

Josh was well-known in local football, having played for teams in Broughton, Buckley, Connah's Quay, Corwen, Lache in Chester, and Saltney.

The clubs have expressed their sadness and have offered condolences to Josh's family on social media.

Josh was the first team goalie at Corwen FC and had played in friendlies against Ruthin and Rhyl.

Corwen FC said: "We deeply regret to announce the tragic passing of keeper Josh Atkin this morning. In his short time with the club Josh made a huge impression and will be fondly remembered by all his team mates and club officials. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends."

He had also played for several other clubs at junior and senior level.

Connah's Quay Nomads said: "We are devastated to hear of the passing of former Academy goalkeeper Josh Atkin - everyone at the club sends our thoughts and condolences to Josh’s family."

Buckley Town FC said: "We were shocked to hear of the passing of our former player Josh Atkin.

"Josh won junior leagues with BTFC from U12 to U16 along with the NEWfA Cup.

"He also played for many local senior teams including Buckley Town. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Airbus UK Broughton said: "We are deeply saddened to hear the awful news of the passing of our former @airbusacademy goalkeeper Josh Atkin.

"All our thoughts are with the family and friends of Josh at this incredibly difficult time."

Saltney Town FC said: "We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former keeper Josh Atkin overnight. Josh has many friends at the club, and we send our thoughts and condolences to all of his family and friends."

In addition to teams in Flintshire and Denbighshire, Josh was the Lache goalie during successful seasons in both the Saturday and Sunday leagues.

The football community has been shocked by the sad news.

On Twitter, Airbus goalkeeping coach Ben Wynne said: "Very sad news to hear the passing of goalkeeper Josh Atkin, he was a great lad and he absolutely loved playing in goal! Had a great time working with during my time at @FC_Nomads."

Other clubs have also expressed their sadness.

Conwy Borough FC said: "Sincere condolences to family and friends from all of us at Conwy Borough at this sad time."

Llandynog United said: "Deepest condolences from all at Llandyrnog Utd. Our thoughts are with you all at this deeply sad time."

Head of recruitment at Bangor City FC Bill Abbott tweeted: "Condolences from all at Bangor City Development centre."

North Wales Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward to the collision which happened at about 2.40am on Sunday.

In a statement, North Wales Police said: "The family of a man who died following a road traffic collision in the early hours of this morning (Sunday), have said they are 'deeply saddened' at the death of their son.

"26 year old Joshua Jason Atkin was from the Saltney area.

"His family are being supported by specialist officers, and have asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.

"We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage in the area of junction 5 of the A483 (Mold) at approximately 2.40am this morning.

"Please contact us on 101 or visit: http://ow.ly/EPOv50EauBp quoting ref. Z041991."