Teenage car crash victim James Daniels will be cremated with a football shirt worn in a match by his lifelong friend, Albion striker Jake Robinson.

James and Jake attended Railway Road Nursery in Newhaven, Denton County Primary School and Tideway School, Newhaven, together before James started a BA honours degree in PE and teaching at University College, Chichester.

Living less than a quarter of a mile apart in Denton, Newhaven, the close friends also played together for Denton and South Heighton Junior Football Club, Tideway football teams and Newhaven Cricket Club.

James joined the cricket club at the age of ten and went on to captain the Saturday Second XI, playing many times alongside his proud dad Paul. Some of his ashes will be scattered at the club's home ground, Fort Road Rec.

Albion fan James was a goalkeeper and outfield player for Denton and South Heighton from the age of ten to 16, then a goalkeeper for Peacehaven under-18s. He gained the first Football Association coaching award while at Denton and then coached the club's under-eights last season.

The 19-year-old was a passenger in a Nissan Micra when it was involved in a collision with a Ford Focus at the A27 junction with Nyton Road, East Hampnett, on Wednesday evening.

The crash also claimed the lives of Stephen Bernard, 18, of Pine Road, Bournemouth, who was driving the Nissan, and Rebecca Seymour, 19, of Ridgeside Avenue, Patcham, who was a passenger in the same car.

Two other passengers in the Nissan sustained serious injuries. The driver of the Focus, a 48-year-old man from Eastleigh, Hampshire, was treated for serious injuries but later released from hospital.

The tragedy has devastated friends and family, including James' mum Sarah, dad Paul and brother Matt, 17, of Rookery Way, Denton.

Sarah, 41, said: "James was happy-go-lucky and loved going out with his many friends. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He lived for his sport, especially his cricket. He always said that if he won the National Lottery he was going to buy a plot of land to provide decent facilities for his club.

"Nothing would come between him and his commitment to Newhaven Cricket Club. Summer Saturday mornings were spent coaching juniors before a quick lunch so as to be ready for the afternoon East Sussex League game.

"He was so pleased when he heard the decision to allow the new stadium at Falmer. He'd signed the petition and he was looking forward to supporting Brighton at their new home.

"At least he lived just long enough to hear it was going to happen."

Paul, 46, said: "He was just so easygoing - he never worried about anything and took everything in his stride. Despite the fact that he had only been at university for six weeks, he had already formed strong friendships.

"We're just so proud of what he achieved in his short, but ultimately fulfilling, life. He would have played cricket for ever. He played competitively but always within the spirit of the game."

Family friend Peter Tullett, from Seaford, said: "It was very easy to love James. He liked the simple things in life - football, cricket, being with his friends but most of all being with his family.

"I remember how excited he was at the prospect of pursuing a career in teaching PE. I thought then what a superb teacher he would make but sadly this was not to be. James gave much more to this world than he could ever receive."

James' funeral will be held at Woodvale Crematorium, Lewes Road, Brighton, at 10.30am on Friday. Everyone is welcome to attend but they do not need to wear black.

Sarah said: "We're just so grateful for all the cards and flowers we've received. James has touched so many people in such a short time.

"In some way we gain a crumb of comfort that this tragic event has given people a reality check, making them realise that life is short and that you should make the most of every moment you have."