THE Hastings community is in mourning for a man described as the heart and soul of the Western Port Warriors football team.

Heath Langdale, 29, of Hastings died on Wednesday night on the No. 2 oval at Hastings Park during the Warriors' first formal training session, despite efforts by paramedics to revive him. Training was cancelled.

Warriors coach Andrew Brady said his death was a great loss. "Heath was a key player since day one of the Warriors, formed in 2005. A forward flanker, he was a great motivator, the bloke who encouraged people to join the team and attend training."

Mr Brady, a former Hastings police officer who is also coaching Red Hill reserves this season, said Mr Langdale had been training hard to get ready for the 2010 season. "He had been working out on a treadmill and on the boxing bag to get fit."

He said Mr Langdale's passions were his family and football. His brothers Mal and Jason also play in the team.

"Joining the Warriors inspired Heath to get more out of his life."

He had set up a successful newspaper and magazine distribution business.

Mr Brady said the club would retire Mr Langdale's No.11 guernsey as a mark of respect.

Mr Langdale featured in The Independent in December as part of a group of Warriors who helped refurbish Hastings railway station. The renovation was a project of the Hastings Neighbourhood Renewal steering committee.

The Warriors play in a Reclink league, established to assist people experiencing social and economic disadvantage to access sporting and recreational opportunities. RecLink activities include football, swimming, squash, badminton and cultural activities.

Mr Langdale's funeral will be held this week, but details were unavailable when The Independent went to press.

He is survived by his wife Cass and two children.