Keeper Roberts was found at his home in Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire, and while the cause of death is unknown police say they are not treating the circumstances as suspicious.
Horden-born Roberts, who began with Nottingham Forest, had loan spells with Eastwood Town and Alfreton Town before he joined Rushden & Diamonds in January 2009 after two loan spells with the club.
All of the clubs that he played for said how he had impressed them and it was thought that Dale had a big future in front of him.
He was also a regular England C international player and England C manager Paul Fairclough has been quoted as saying, ‘On behalf of The Football Association Representative Matches Committee, England C team staff and players, I wish to say how saddened I am at the tragic loss of life of Dale Roberts.
Apart from his international appearances Dale was a member of the Middlesbrough youth team which won the FA Youth Cup in 2004.
Words can never allay the feelings of grief but we offer our condolences to all of his family and friends in their moment of sorrow.
Rushden have announced that Nene Park will be open todayy for fans to pay their respects and the FA Youth Cup tie at Hull on the same night has been postponed.
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