Madeleine Stephanie Cusack was born in Nottingham on 28th October 1995. From the age of 5, her love for football was above anything, playing for West Hallam Juniors as a child, starting her career at local team Nottingham Forest, before moving to Aston Villa in 2012 to begin her professional career at the age of 15.
Before football, Maddy was an accomplished horse rider, played cricket and was great at athletics. Maddy won many awards at school in cross country and other athletics events, an all-rounder in all types of sports. Maddy’s family knew she would become a sportswoman, as she had developed a love for sport on day one. Despite doctors saying she would never be able to run or play sports after developing bronchiolitis as a newborn, Maddy pushed through, and grew up to become a professional footballer. Maddy was a Manchester United fan growing up, her shirts having David Beckham and his number, 7, on the back. It was football shirts over anything for Maddy, her family saying that there is only one photograph of their daughter wearing a dress, which was for her 3rd birthday party. She tried ballet once, but decided to give it up after one lesson, with sport being her main focus from a very young age.
Maddy studied at the University of Derby, achieving first-class honours in Marketing, Public Relations and Advertising.
By the age of 17, Maddy was in the first team for Aston Villa. Her passion for football was growing with her promotion to the first team. Joe Hunt, Villa’s head coach at the time, could see the potential that Maddy had and was very happy to have her as part of his women’s team. “Off the pitch, [she is] quiet, polite and respectful, but on the pitch, aggressive, powerful and commanding… one of the best signings I ever made” he said at the time.
She was well-favoured even at that age, so she knew that her career would be a good one.
In 2013, Maddy helped lead Aston Villa to victory, winning the 2013 league cup. She was chosen to launch the new kit alongside Jack Grealish and Micah Richards, two of football’s well-known stars, and understandably, she was “thrilled”.
Maddy moved to Birmingham City When she was 21, a team that was part of the Women’s Super League. At Aston Villa, the pay she was getting was only enough to count as pocket money, so when she made the move, £30 a week was massive for her. Like many footballers in the women’s football community, Maddy played football because of her love for the sport, so money wasn’t an issue. Even now, footballers who don’t play full time tend to work a day job 9-5 to help them earn money whilst playing football, a way to help them earn. Women’s football has come a long way since Maddy moved to Birmingham City, but there is still a long way to go.
Maddy signed for Sheffield United Women in 2019, after spending time at Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Leicester City. Just 18 months after signing for the club, she signed her renewal contract and went on to become the first woman in Sheffield United’s history to reach 100 appearances for the club. She received a shirt on 13th March 2023 to mark such an incredible achievement. Maddy was a popular player with Sheffield United, and she enjoyed playing week in week out for the club, helping them win many matches.
When signing her renewal contract for her 5th season with Sheffield United in 2022, Maddy said, “I’m really excited. I’ve loved my time at the club, every season I’ve really enjoyed it and the last one was no different. I’m really pleased to have extended my time here. It seems like yesterday I remember signing, but I’ve loved my time here and I love this club.”
Football was Maddy’s passion, so on 20th September 2023, the women’s football community was shocked and saddened to find out the news that Maddy had passed away. It was a massive shock to everyone; her family, friends, fans and the Sheffield United club as a whole.
Sheffield United Women shared a post to announce her death and pay the first of many tributes to her.
Originally, Sheffield United said: “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.”
The first few days caused a lot of speculation amongst the whole of football, people questioning what had happened and wondering what had led to such an awful tragedy. A few days had passed, and still there was no confirmation of what had happened, but tributes had began to pour in, with Sheffield United men’s team paying tribute to her with a silence before their Premier League game that weekend, her name plastered all over the back of their shirts, and her face on the front cover of their matchday programme. A dedicated space for tributes was set up outside Bramall Lane for fans to remember her. Sheffield United Women postponed their game against Crystal Palace in the Women’s Championship, due to take place on Saturday 30th September 2023, due to Maddy’s death, understandably heartbroken of the loss of their beloved teammate. England's Lionesses paid tribute to Maddy two days after her death with a minute’s applause at the start of their game against Scotland at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland. Fans were more than happy to join in with the applause.
It was later revealed that Maddy had taken her own life.
The topic of mental health in the women’s game was known, but not spoken about enough. Maddy’s family said that she had had no previous history of mental health issues, but dealt with a lot of pressure in the months leading up to her death.
Maddy’s family have since started The Maddy Cusack Foundation, a foundation aiming to empower women and young girls in sport. The foundation recently hit £50,000 worth of donations, something her family were overjoyed about.
Her family said her spirit had “been broken by the sport she loved”, with her sister, Olivia, saying, "After my sister’s tragic loss, it’s imperative that changes are made to prevent any similar situation in the future. Maddy lost her life to this sport, and it must not happen again."
A year on, the FA have done investigation after investigation, after an external investigation found no wrongdoings of Maddy’s club, but there is still not a full explanation into what has happened, as the investigation which began in January 2024 is still ongoing. However, we continue in the women’s football community to remember who Maddy Cusack was, and her life and legacy will live on forever.
This weekend, to celebrate her life and remember her on the first anniversary of her death, all WSL clubs have arranged a round of applause during the 8th minute of their opening games. Aston Villa, West Ham and others have worn black armbands in Maddy’s memory. Sheffield United Women, Maddy’s club, will be playing away this weekend, against newly promoted Women’s Championship team, Newcastle United Women. A round of applause will be taking place at this game too.
Maddy Cusack was an incredible person, who played football for her love of the sport. Since her death, we encourage people part of the women’s football community to be open about their mental health, but also treat others with respect, whether it is players, fans and coaches.
Maddy will always be remembered, and her legacy will live on forever.
Comments