Maddy Cusack’s Death Sparks Urgent Reform in Women’s Football

In 2023, the Sheffield United player Maddy Cusack’s death after taking her own life shocked the football world, and it prompted important conversations about the wellbeing of players in the world of female football. Cusack’s family raised concerns about the struggles she faced with her former manager, Jonathan Morgan. They claimed her spirit was broken in the months before she took her own life, and the FA is now investigating her death.

Morgan was fired due to the uncovering of his previous secret relationship with an underage player while they were both playing at Leicester. Shortly after, Leicester City’s manager Willie Kirk was also dismissed for violating the team’s code of conduct by engaging in a relationship with a player.

These events have brought attention to the need for better protection and support for women’s football players. The FA has also introduced an unacceptable behavior policy after previous allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). They have also encouraged players to report any concerns through an independent helpline. While these advancements help women who have already suffered, it does not protect women from abuse in the first place.

Women, even those playing on professional teams, have not been receiving financial agreements from the WSL that men have received. Creating this partnership would allow for women to have guaranteed support by large organizations.

While there has been progress toward better conditions for women in the sport, it is still crucial for these players to receive the same protections and support that men have both in and away from football. These changes are a step in the right direction for ensuring that athletes in the Women’s Super League and Championship have the resources they need, both during their careers and beyond.