THE family of a young amateur footballer who was killed in a three-car smash said he was “always with a smile on his face” in a tribute.

The family of 19-year-old Jordan Dowson said in a statement that he was “a dearly loved son, stepson, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and great grandson.”

“He was a massive Chelsea fan and played for two local teams. As well as football, he idolised his dogs.

“He was always with a smile on his face, probably best remembered by his laugh.”

Mr Dowson – known as “Judd” to friends, was travelling in a Vauxhall Corsa which collided with two other cars on the A174 Brotton bypass, East Cleveland, at 5pm on Friday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger in the Corsa, an 18-year-old woman, was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, where her condition was described as stable.

The 19-year-old driver was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Mr Dowson, from Guisborough, was a keen local league footballer who was due to play in a match for his local pub team on Sunday morning. The match went ahead as a tribute for the youngster – at the request of his family – and his team Black Swan FC won 9-1.

After the match, the Black Swan posted on its website: “Thank you to all those who turned out for the match this morning. It was an amazing turnout and shows how many people’s lives Jordan has touched. I’m sure this will be comforting for his family at this difficult time.”

Former Laurence Jackson pupil Mr Dowson also played for the Guisborough Globe pub team.

Three cars were involved in the collision on Friday – a black Vauxhall Corsa, a grey Audi estate and a white Volkswagen Scirocco.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone who may have seen the collision or has information can contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101.