Vigil marks one year since footballer’s death

Maddy was the first player to make 100 appearances for Sheffield United Women

A vigil has been held in honour of footballer Maddy Cusack to mark one year since the day she was found dead at her home in Derbyshire, aged 27.

The event at Sheffield United's ground Bramall Lane on Friday was attended by family, friends and players who spoke about the impact she had made on their lives.

Team-mate Nina Wilson said Cusack was a tenacious footballer who welcomed and supported new players.

“You never wanted to play against Maddy, but she was the best team-mate I ever had off the pitch and on the pitch,” she said.

Cusack had played for Sheffield United Women since 2019 and became the first player to make 100 appearances for the club.

“She’d fight and scrap for everything and she did the same for you off the pitch as well," Nina Wilson said.

"She looked after me a lot, she took me under her wing. I miss how she was as a team-mate."

Olivia's sister Olivia Cusack (centre) said Bramall Lane remained a special place for the family

As well as playing for the club, Cusack worked in the office as a marketing executive.

Her sister Olivia said Bramall Lane remained a special place for the family.

“She loved the club, she loved her time there and she really envisaged hanging her boots up there – that place for us, still holds so much love.

“It’s somewhere we can come together, reflect on her career and the aspirations she had while she was still there,” she said.

There has been no official explanation of how Cusack died, but her family have spoken out about the pressures faced by female players.

Her club was cleared of any wrongdoing by an external investigation, but Sheffield United said it had expanded its wellbeing support for players.

The Football Association (FA) launched an inquiry in January which is ongoing and an inquest to establish the circumstances around her death has been adjourned until it concludes.

Sheffield United has expanded its wellbeing support for players

While her family wait for answers, they have turned their attention to the foundation they founded following her death.

The Maddy Cusack Foundation aims to support female players and continue her legacy.

Olivia Cusack said they wanted it to reflect her sister's life and personality.

“We’ve said before how determined and how spirited she was. How driven she was and ambitious.

“Maddy meant the world to us, and she was very passionate about the work she did with the community foundation here at Sheffield United. So it’s very important to keep this work continuing,” she said.

Further tributes will be paid to Cusack at a match between Sheffield United and Derby County later.

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