Girl, 13, with 'beautiful smile' dies just days after winning football match

03 May 2023 , 11:10

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Kaylee Black was a talented footballer

A youth football team has been left "devastated" by the sad and sudden death of an Under-13s player.

Tributes were paid to Crusaders Football Club Titans goalkeeper Kaylee Black as the heartbreaking news was confirmed by the club on Monday evening.

Club chairman, Ronnie Millar, passed on his deepest condolences and sympathy to 13-year-old Kaylee's family, team mates, friends and coaching staff.

A statement on the club's social media pages said: "Crusaders Football Club are devastated to hear of the sad and sudden passing of Crusaders Titans U13's player Kaylee Black.

"Only last week Kaylee and her team mates proudly showed off their U13 SBYL Trophy at the Crusaders Strikers first game of the season and to hear the news this evening has been heartbreaking.

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"Chairman Ronnie Millar wishes to pass on the deepest condolences and sympathy to Kaylee's family, team mates, friends and coaching staff at this sad time and asks we keep them all in our thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with Kaylee's passing."

Crusaders Strikers added their own tribute saying they were "deeply saddened" to learn of Kaylee's sudden passing.

"Kaylee was goalkeeper and a valued member of our U13 SBYL league winning side, who lifted their trophy last week at our first team game at Seaview," a statement read.

"Our thoughts, and prayers are with her family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone who loved her during this sad time."

Ballyclare Secondary School has also paid tribute to Kaylee, saying she was a "very talented, kind, well-mannered pupil with a beautiful smile".

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help with funeral costs.

Steven Crawford