A long-standing member of Sheffield's Football Unites Racism Divides project has died in his sleep at the age of 25.

Kola Lucas, of Stocksbridge, was associated with the Sharrow-based project for 10 years, using football to unite players from all backgrounds and walks of life.

He was a coach and in 2006 and 2007 worked as a trainee marketing officer at the organisation.

As part of his role he took part in a project to tackle knife crime which involved making a DVD which was distributed to schools across the city. He spent the summer coaching football in America.

Tobi Lucas, one of Kola's three sisters, said: "Kola had a genuine interest in people and always saw the best in others. His positive outlook on life ensured he was very popular and people respected and admired him."

Kola's mum, Tola, added: "Throughout his short-lived life, Kola made a great impression on his peers."

It has not been established what caused Kola's death. The funeral is to be held at St Matthias Church, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, at 12.30pm on Friday this week.