Maddy Cusack: Footballer faced pressures before death, family say

In September of 2023, young Sheffield United footballer Maddy Cusack tragically passed away at the age of 27. Her family has since spoken out about the pressures she faced as a female footballer, suggesting that these may have contributed to her untimely death.

The pressures of professional football

Women's football is often seen as a less demanding and less competitive sport than men's football. However, this is not always the case. Professional female footballers face many of the same pressures as their male counterparts, including the pressure to perform well, deal with injuries, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In addition, female footballers often have to juggle their football careers with other commitments, such as work or family. This can be a difficult balancing act, and it can lead to stress and burnout.

Maddy Cusack's specific pressures

Maddy Cusack was a talented and dedicated footballer who was passionate about her sport. However, she also faced a number of pressures that may have contributed to her death.

• Financial pressures: Maddy Cusack was reportedly paid just £6,000 per year to play for Sheffield United. This is a very low salary, and it would have been difficult for her to support herself on it.

• Competition for places: There is a lot of competition for places in the women's football league, and this can put a lot of pressure on players. Maddy Cusack was a regular starter for Sheffield United, but she would have been aware that she was always at risk of losing her place in the team.

• Pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards: Female footballers are often subjected to unrealistic beauty standards, which can lead to body image issues and other mental health problems. Maddy Cusack was a beautiful young woman, but she was also a fiercely independent individual who refused to conform to these standards.

The family's concerns

Maddy Cusack's family has expressed concerns about the pressures that she faced as a female footballer. They believe that these pressures may have contributed to her death, and they have called for an independent inquiry into her death.

• *"Maddy's spirit was broken," said Maddy Cusack's mother, Deborah. She added that Maddy was worried about her career in football, and that this worry was a factor in her death.

• *"Maddy was a sensitive and caring person who was always willing to help others," said Maddy Cusack's sister, Alice. She added that Maddy was "always under so much pressure" to succeed in her career.

The need for change

The death of Maddy Cusack has highlighted the need for change in women's football. The sport needs to do more to support its players, both on and off the pitch. This includes providing more financial support, improving mental health support, and challenging unrealistic beauty standards.

If we want to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women's football, we need to start by listening to the voices of the players and their families. Maddy Cusack's death should not be in vain. Her legacy should be one of change and progress.