A goalkeeper has died during a soccer match as traumatised families watched from the sidelines.

The 32-year-old man collapsed midway through his game at the View Street grounds, home of the West Pennant Hills Redbacks, in Sydney’s northwest, around 2.30pm on Saturday.

Witnesses who saw the man fall to the ground desperately tried to resuscitate him for more than 30 minutes until paramedics arrived.

One of the bystanders was NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Anthony Boyd, who helped another man administer CPR to the player.

It is believed the man suffered a medical episode which resulted in him losing consciousness near the penalty box.

Five police cars and two ambulance units were sent to the field, and paramedics spent another 10 minutes trying to revive the man.

He was then rushed to Westmead Hospital in critical condition, where he later died.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

A 32-year-old man collapsed and died mid-way through a soccer game at an oval in Sydney’s northwest