- Sheffield United star Maddy Cusack, 27, died at her home in September
- Football authorities are facing calls to fix a ‘broken system’ following her death
- Her family shared a speech read by her mother at a memorial service last month
Football authorities are facing calls to fix a ‘broken system’ after the family of Maddy Cusack said the game had contributed to her death.
Cusack, who was the vice-captain of Sheffield United, died at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire on September 20, aged 27. At the time, Derbyshire Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
On Monday her family published a speech read by her mother, Deborah, at a memorial service last month which said her spirit was ‘allowed to be broken’ by football.
The tribute read: ‘My beautiful daughter, Madeleine. The saddest and most utterly heartbreaking reason why I am having to stand here and speak today is because of football. From February, the indomitable, irrepressible spirit, the spirit called Maddy, the spirit that we had so fiercely protected, was allowed to be broken, taking her away from me.’
Sheffield United have begun an investigation into events they believe may have contributed to her death. Since the publication of the speech, former players, including team-mates, and coaches have called for players to receive better support.
Football authorities are facing calls to fix a ‘broken system’ after the family of Maddy Cusack said the game had contributed to her death
Cusack joined Sheffield United when they were half-way through their first season in the Barclays Women’s Championship in 2019
On Monday her family published a speech read by her mother, Deborah, at a memorial service last month which said her spirit was ‘allowed to be broken’ by football
Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder and Stourbridge FC assistant coach Natasha Tezgel said: ‘Devastating statement. How many times, people before players. The system is broken. It is unacceptable to treat players as though they do not matter.’
Newcastle’s Amber-Keegan Stobbs wrote: ‘I’ve had so many conversations to try and change things. That’s directly to FA, PFA, club staff, GMs, CEO’s… football needs to do better!’
Aston Villa assistant coach Leanne Hall added: ‘While the external brand is the measure of success it will continue to hide the internal failings. Many players and staff are struggling. The game is broken. The growth is irrelevant if lives are lost.’
An inquest into Cusack’s death was opened at Derby Coroner’s Court last month and adjourned.
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