The soccer world is once again in mourning after a rising female star died suddenly in her sleep.
Aurelia Haynes was just 19 years old when she passed away unexpectedly.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media for a “beautiful gentle soul.”
Haynes was an up-and-coming star player in her native Australia.
She was a law student who played for the NSW Central Coast WPL team Umina United.
It emerged that Haynes had passed away last month.
She reportedly went to bed and never woke up again.
In a touching farewell to their teammate, the club played a match in her honor against Woongarrah FC at Umina Oval.
Aurelia’s photo, her number 24 club jersey, and a bouquet of flowers were placed on a chair, which was also surrounded by flowers for the specially named “Aurelia Haynes Memorial Round.”
“It was an emotional day as we came together to pay our respects to Aurelia, we welcomed Aurelia’s parents Philip and Kate and the outpouring of love was on display throughout the afternoon,” the club posted on its Facebook page.
“We would like to thank everybody that came along to wrap their arms around the girls as they played in tribute to their team-mate and friend Aurelia.
“To Kaine, the players and supporters from Woongarrah – your kindness, compassion, and support was amazing, we can’t thank you enough and to the two beautiful ladies who bought along flowers, thank you.”
During her high school years, Haynes was part of the Canberra United Academy program to foster future stars and attended the all-girls Merici College in the ACT.
After graduating from the Academy, she played for Northbridge NPL U20 and Hills District before joining Umina.
Haynes was also set to compete in the UniSport Futsal championship in Canberra for Macquarie University, which began on Tuesday.
In announcing her July 30 death on August 2, Umina said:
“Aurelia brought her youthful energy, her friendly smile, dedication, gentle nature, and her love for the game into our club.”
The comments section was deluged with expressions of shock and mourning from other clubs and those who knew Aurelia.
“So sad, beautiful young lady,” one person wrote.
“I worked with her in Gosford… been a hard week at office since hearing news.”
“So young and lovely. All our love to her parents.”
“Our deepest condolences to Aurelia’s family, friends, and teammates at this very sad time,” another said.
“It has been a pleasure watching you play, you will be missed by many.”
Haynes’s past clubs also paid tribute.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Aurelia Haynes, who left us peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday at the age of 19,” Northbridge FC posted on its Instagram.
“Aurelia’s journey with Northbridge FC began as a dedicated young goalkeeper in our MiniRoos program.
“Her talent and passion for the game saw her excel through the NFC Academy, NPL, and numerous futsal and friendship teams, including a notable stint at the Canberra United Academy.
“Aurelia’s love for the club and her teammates shone brightly in every match and training session.
“She cherished the fun and success they shared, from triumphant Kanga Cup campaigns to the undefeated U20 Northbridge Bulls team of 2022.
“Her spirit, skill, and camaraderie will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Aurelia’s family during this difficult time.
“She will always hold a special place in the hearts of everyone at Northbridge FC. Rest in peace.”
Those in the comments also shared their sadness at the sudden passing of the teenager.
“She was a wonderful teammate and person who will be dearly missed,” one person wrote.
“My condolences to her family,” another wrote.
“I was so sad to hear of her passing as I remember her love for soccer when she played with Michael when she was little.
“I wish her eternal love and happiness.”
In a statement Canberra United FC said they were “devastated to hear of the sudden tragic passing of former Academy member Aurelia Haynes.”
“Canberra United FC sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Aurelia, who will be deeply missed by all her knew her,” the statement read.
Hills United Football Club also paid tribute on Facebook.
“Today our ‘Women of The Hills’ came together in honor and memory of Aurelia Haynes who sadly passed away peacefully in her sleep recently,” the post said
“We were touched and honored to have Aurelia’s father Phil join us on the pitch today who joined the referees as fourth offical for our First Grade game.”
“Together with the crew from Southern Districts Football Assoc. thank you to Catherine Cannuli as the teams in both girls’ youth and senior women respectfully honored Aurelia with a minute silence and black wrist bands worn throughout the day.
“Aurelia’s love for the game with her talent and passion saw her excel through an impressive NPL career over the years and it was a privilege to have Aurelia as part of Hills United Football Club
“Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Aurelia’s family during this difficult time.”
No cause of death has been made public.
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