Both players played their football for Southern Combination Football League side Worthing United and Worthing & Horsham District Sunday Football League club AFC Shoreham.

They were on their way to Lyons Way, the home of Worthing United, to play in a fixture vs. Loxwood when the vehicle they were travelling was caught up in the tragedy.

Earlier this year both players featured in the Sussex Sunday Challenge Cup Final, sponsored by Gardner & Scardifield, for AFC Shoreham at the Sussex County FA headquarters in Lancing.

Chairman of the Sussex County FA, Mathew Major paid tribute to the players: “The whole of Sussex football has been rocked by this news. Both Matt and Jacob were popular and integral members of their clubs, as well as talented footballers.

“I recall their hard fought County Cup Final vs. Pink Flamingos back in February of this year, where Matt made a number of fine saves and Jacob was typically tenacious in midfield - they will be greatly missed by everyone!

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire football family are with all those affected by this awful catastrophe.”

Worthing United issued 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 Shoreham 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 with an eye for goal.

“They were both essential members of last season’s 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 thought and prayers are with the families and the friends of Matt and Jacob.”

Fellow Sussex based football clubs also offered their condolences on Twitter.

AFC Shoreham’s opponents in the County Cup Final, Pink Flamingos (@pinkflamingosfc) posted: “Very, very sad news that Matt & Jacob were amongst those killed yesterday! Thoughts are with everyone at AFC Shoreham & Worthing United!”

Fellow Southern Combination Football League club Loxwood (@loxwoodfc) who were due to play against Worthing United on Saturday posted: “All our thoughts are with everyone affected by yesterday's tragic events @shorehamairshow. Our sincere condolences to all @WorthingUtdFC.”

Worthing United’s neighbours Worthing (‏@Worthing_FC) tweeted: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the two @WorthingUtdFC players tragically killed the at Shoreham Airshow crash yesterday.”

Anyone wishing to pass on their condolences to Worthing United can do so via the Sussex County FA who will collate messages and pass them onto the club:

Governance
T: 01903 753547
E: Info@SussexFA.com