The soccer community has rallied to honour a rising star who died unexpectedly in her sleep at the age of 19 with tributes pouring in for a ‘beautiful gentle soul’.
Law student Aurelia Haynes who played for the NSW Central Coast WPL team Umina United, passed away last month.
In a touching farewell to their team-mate, the club played a match in her honour on Sunday August 11 against Woongarrah FC at Umina Oval.
Aurelia’s photo, her number 24 club jersey and a bouquet of flowers were placed on a chair, which was also surrounded by flowers for the specially named ‘Aurelia Haynes Memorial Round’.
‘It was an emotional day as we came together to pay our respects to Aurelia, we welcomed Aurelia’s parents Philip and Kate and the outpouring of love was on display throughout the afternoon,’ the club posted on its Facebook page.
‘We would like to thank everybody that came along to wrap their arms around the girls as they played in tribute to their team-mate and friend Aurelia.
‘To Kaine, the players and supporters from Woongarrah – your kindness, compassion and support was amazing, we can’t thank you enough and to the two beautiful ladies who bought along flowers, thank you.’
During her high school years, Aurelia was part of the Canberra United Academy program to foster future stars and attended the all-girls Merici College in the ACT.
Aurelia Haynes was a rising soccer star who died in her sleep at the age of 19 in the early hours of July 30
After graduating from the Academy, Aurelia played for Northbridge NPL U20 and Hills District before joining Umina.
She was also set to compete in the UniSport Futsal championship in Canberra for Macquarie University, which began on Tuesday.
In announcing her July 30 death on August 2, Umina said: ‘Aurelia brought her youthful energy, her friendly smile, dedication, gentle nature and her love for the game into our club.’
The comments section was deluged with expressions of shock and mourning from other clubs and those who knew Aurelia.
‘So sad, beautiful young lady. I worked with her in Gosford… been a hard week at office since hearing news,’ one person wrote.
‘So young and lovely. All our love to her parents.’
‘Our deepest condolences to Aurelia’s family, friends and team mates at this very sad time,’ another said.
Aurelia’s Central Coast team Umina United played a specially named ‘Aurelia Haynes Memorial Round’ to honour their club member
Aurelia’s Umina United WPL team played Woongarrah FC to honour Aurelia at Umina Oval
‘It has been a pleasure watching you play, you will be missed by many.’
Aurelia’s past clubs also paid tribute.
‘It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Aurelia Haynes, who left us peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday at the age of 19,’ Northbridge FC posted on their Instagram.
‘Aurelia’s journey with Northbridge FC began as a dedicated young goalkeeper in our MiniRoos program.
‘Her talent and passion for the game saw her excel through the NFC Academy, NPL and numerous futsal and friendship teams, including a notable stint at the Canberra United Academy.
‘Aurelia’s love for the club and her teammates shone brightly in every match and training session.
‘She cherished the fun and success they shared, from triumphant Kanga Cup campaigns to the undefeated U20 Northbridge Bulls team of 2022.
‘Her spirit, skill, and camaraderie will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.
‘Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Aurelia’s family during this difficult time. She will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone at Northbridge FC. Rest in peace.’
Those in comments also shared their sadness at the passing of the teenager.
‘She was a wonderful teammate and person who will be dearly missed,’ one person wrote. ‘My condolences to her family,’ another wrote.
‘I was so sad to hear of her passing as I remember her love for soccer when she played with Michael when she was little. I wish her eternal love and happiness.’
Aurelia mixed her love of soccer with studying law at Sydney’s Macquarie University, which she was set to represent at futsal
In a statement Canberra United FC said they were ‘devastated to hear of the sudden tragic passing of former Academy member Aurelia Haynes’.
‘Canberra United FC sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Aurelia, who will be deeply missed by all her knew her,’ the statement read.
Hills United Football Club also paid tribute on Facebook.
‘Today our “Women of The Hills” came together in honour and memory of Aurelia Haynes who sadly passed away peacefully in her sleep recently,’ the post said
‘We were touched and honoured to have Aurelia’s father Phil join us on the pitch today who joined the referees as fourth offical for our First Grade game.’
‘Together with the crew from Southern Districts Football Assoc. thank you to Catherine Cannuli as the teams in both girls youth and senior women respectfully honoured Aurelia with a minute silence and black wrist bands worn throughout the day.
‘Aurelia’s love for the game with her talent and passion saw her excel through an impressive NPL career over the years and it was privilege to have Aurelia as part of Hills United Football Club
‘Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Aurelia’s family during this difficult time.’
No cause of death has been made public.
A funeral service for Aurelia was held at St Stephen’s Anglican Church, in the northern Sydney suburb of Willoughby on August 21.
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