FA in contact with Sheffield United over appropriate tribute to Maddy Cusack

The Football Association is in contact with Sheffield United over an appropriate tribute to Maddy Cusack, who has died at the age of 27.

Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said the organisation was offering its support to the club.

“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, team-mates and everyone at Sheffield United,” Baroness Campbell said.

Such a lovely girl, enjoyed some amazing times with Maddy and the Blades. Such a sad loss. RIP Maddy pic.twitter.com/Bv68avWvrI

— billy sharp (@billysharp10) September 21, 2023

“Maddy also represented England at age-group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate point.”

Billy Sharp, the former captain of United’s men’s team, also paid tribute to her on social media.

“Such a lovely girl. Enjoyed some amazing times with Maddy and the Blades. Such a sad loss. RIP Maddy,” he posted on X.

Cusack had been named vice-captain of Sheffield United last month, had just started her sixth season with the Blades in the Championship and was the longest-serving player in their current squad.

Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack.

The Club and Maddy’s family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time.

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 21, 2023

She also worked as a marketing executive at the club.

In a statement issued on the club’s official website on Thursday, United said: “Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack.”

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out also said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of Cusack’s death.