Family and friends pay tribute to popular Templestowe football and cricket star Nick Mustafa who died suddenly in Melbourne aged just 26

A local community is in turmoil following the sudden death of a young sports star.

The football and cricket clubs of Templestowe, in the North West Melbourneannounced the heartbreaking death of 26-year-old player Nick Mustafa on Monday.

Mr Mustafa last tied his laces on June 1 in a win for the Templestowe Dockers reserve team.

The cricket club’s president, Jodi Hannington, remembered Mr Mustafa as a local legend and a ‘much loved’ figure within the club.

‘He was one of us, part of our family. He was a mentor, coach (and) friend,” Ms. Hannington wrote in a message to Facebook.

The sporting community in Templestowe, in Melbourne’s northwest, is in turmoil following the sudden death of 26-year-old ‘legend’ Nick Mustafa (pictured)

Ms Hannington said Mr Mustafa was “one of us, part of our family” and committed to mentoring and coaching younger players.

“The kindest and most loving, caring person you could meet and we were blessed to have you both play and be part of our cricket and football family,” she wrote.

“Your endearing smile and beautiful hugs will be forever missed and your legacy will live on.

‘Your tips, instructions and care for all young people will be a huge void.

‘Thank you for the wonderful memories and our sincere condolences go out to the entire family.’

Russell Smith, president of Templestowe Football Club, shared similar memories of the young player and expressed his ‘heartfelt condolences’ to his family.

Mr Mustafa’s brother Jaron thanked both clubs for their “important role” in his brother’s life.

“The club was his second family and we appreciate all the kind words, thoughts and support,” he wrote.

Mr Mustafa last played for Templestowe Dockers Football Club on June 1, just over a week before the club’s president announced his death

Doncaster Cricket Club, where Mustafa played at youth and senior level, was also devastated by the death of their former player.

“He was a much loved and valued member of both our play on the field and socially off the field,” wrote the club’s junior coordinator, Stephen Mears.

‘Nicky always had a smile on his face and liked to have a chat. He also made it a point to always come up and say hello whenever he got the chance, and was eager to help in any way he could.

“It’s so sad that you’re no longer around to see your smiling face and have a chat at such a young age.”

Fellow players also shared their grief on social media, with many remembering him as a great teammate and friend both on and off the field.

A memorial service for Mr Mustafa will be held on Friday.