SHEFFIELD United have confirmed the untimely death of their women’s team star Maddy Cusack at the tender age of 27.
The midfielder was the team’s longest-serving player having started playing for them in 2019, and was recently named vice-captain.
“Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack,” the club announced last night on their official website.
“Maddy, a women’s team player since 2019 and marketing executive for the Football Club, passed away on Wednesday.
“A respected player, Maddy, 27, last season reached the milestone of 100 appearances for Sheffield United Women. Additionally, she was a valued colleague in the offices at Bramall Lane, moving over from the Sheffield United Community Foundation to the Club in 2021 to help market all areas of the Blades.”
Stephen Bettis, Sheffield United’s chief executive officer, described the situation as ‘heartbreaking’.
“This is heartbreaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane. Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with,” he said.
“Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family — she will be sadly missed. Whilst taking in the news and moving forward, the Club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
“Discussions over suitable tributes and celebrating Maddy’s life will continue privately. The Club and Maddy’s family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time.”
Cusack joined the Sheffield United women’s team during their first campaign in the second division in January 2019 and last season became the first woman to reach 100 appearances for the club.
The former England youth international signed a new contract extension in July.
Cusack also featured for Birmingham City during her career and the club said in a statement: “The club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Maddy Cusack. All of our thoughts are with Maddy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: “We are all devastated to learn about the passing of Maddy Cusack. On behalf of the FA, the Lionesses, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Maddy’s family, friends, teammates and everyone at Sheffield United.”
The cause of death of the young midfielder has not been revealed.
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