Shoreham Airshow crash: Worthing United confirm two footballers, Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, among those killed

The pair were on their way to play in a match

Jacob Schilt and Matthew Grimstone

Worthing United FC have confirmed that two of their players, Matthew Grimstone and Jacob Schilt, were among those killed in the Shoreham Airshow plane crash.

A vintage jet crashed into traffic on a main road during an air display yesterday, with the death toll currently put at 11 by Sussex Police.

Worthing United FC, who play in the Southern Combination Premier League, the ninth tier of football in England, released the following statement.

"Worthing United football club players Matt Grimstone and Jacob Schilt are both believed to be among the victims of yesterday's tragic Shor air show crash. Grimbles was our first team goalkeeper, 23 years of age and a huge talent, quiet and reserved but a brilliant player with a huge potential to go further in the game. Jacob who was also 23 years of age, small in stature and a tenacious midfielder also very skill full (sic) with a eye for goal.

"They were both essential members of last seasons double winning squad, the most successful season in the clubs history. At this point we don't know how or if we will cope with this, Worthing United is a family, part of the football family, we have been moved by the number of tributes to them that we have received from our fellow clubs and from the public.

"Our thoughts and prayers and with the families and friends of Matt and Jacob."

Worthing United footballer Matthew Grimstone

Worthing United footballer Jacob Schilt

It's understood that the pair were on their way to play in a match.

Paul Barber, chief executive of Brighton & Hove Albion FC, where Mr Grimstone worked as a groundsman, said: "It is hard to the find the right words to express the full extent of our shock and sadness at this time, but Matt and Jacob's family and friends are very much in our thoughts - along with all those who've been affected by this terrible tragedy."

An explosion at the Shoreham Air Show, in Sussex, Britain, 22 August 2015, after a fighter jet crashed (EPA/PAUL JARRETT)

Mark Sanderson, the vice-chairman of Mr Grimstone and Mr Schilt's club, said everyone at small Worthing United FC were "struggling to cope" with their sudden deaths.

Yesterday's game was inevitably postponed.