Ex-England and Man City youth star Courtney Meppen-Walter dies aged 32

Courtney Meppen-Walter represented Manchester City and England at youth level, before going on to play for Stockport, Telford and Bury among others

Former England and Manchester City youth talent, Courtney Meppen-Walter, has died at 32. His former club in Bury announced the tragic news on Tuesday morning.

A statement from the club read: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Courtney Meppen-Walter, at the age of 32. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at #buryfc are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."

A number of other tributes have been paid to Meppen-Walter, with Guiseley AFC writing: "We are shocked to hear of the passing of Courtney Meppen-Walter. Courtney played for the club between 2022 and 2024 making 28 appearances and winning the 2022/23 Manager's Player of the Season award. Our thoughts are with Courtney's family and friends at this sad time."

A defensive-midfielder by trade, Meppen-Walter spent his formative years with Manchester City's youth academy, before signing with Carlisle United in 2013.

After a two-year stint in the North West, the Bury-born talent had brief spells with Ashton United and Chorley in 2016, before moving on to Stockport County.

Meppen-Walter then signed with Glossop North End in 2017, before returning to Chorley the following year. After another two years with the club, he decided to make the move to AFC Telford United, before subsequently finding himself at Redcliffe.

A loan spell with Guiseley proved fruitful enough for the club to sign him on a permanent basis in 2022. Meppen-Walter then represented Nantwich Town, Bury and Stalybridge Celtic.

The midfielder, who also operated in defence, also racked up a number of appearances for England at U17 and U18 level, but never received a senior call up for the Three Lions.

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