South Australian football coordinator Ashleigh Young dies at 31
An inspirational women's football coordinator who encouraged girls to pursue their sporting dreams has died suddenly at the age of 31.
Ashleigh Young died Thursday evening surrounded by her family after complications with asthma.
Ms Young was the female football coordinator at Norwood Football Club in Adelaide, and the Director of Sports and Recreation at the private girls' school Wilderness.
South Australian AFL hero Ashleigh Young (left) died on Thursday at the age of 31
In a statement on Friday, Norwood Football Club remembered Ms Young as “a mother figure, a sister, a friend, a mentor and a confidante.”
“The Norwood Football Club is devastated by the death of its current female football coordinator, Ashleigh Young,” the club said.
“Ashleigh's dedication and love for our club, the Women's Football Program and the people involved has been incredible.
“Ashleigh has made an outstanding contribution to Norwood Football Club over the past three seasons, particularly in women's football, both in the senior women and junior girls programmes.”
The club said players knew Ms Young as 'a warm and caring individual'.
“She was a beautiful lady at heart. “Her smile, dedication and unwavering determination to support programs she believed in and proudly led will be greatly missed,” the club said.
“Her absence leaves a great void, and we extend our sincere condolences to her family, partner and friends.
“We share in the sadness of losing such a remarkable individual and are grateful for the positive impact she made within the Norwood Football Club community. May her memory continue to inspire us and bring us comfort during this difficult time.
'Our club, players, coaches, staff, volunteers and supporters will miss you enormously.'
Mrs Young (right) is remembered as 'a mother figure, a sister, a friend, a mentor and a confidante'
Ms. Young had taken up the sport when she was in high school.
She went on to complete a bachelor's degree in sport and recreation management and worked with the South Australia Football Federation as a state team manager for the under-18 girls.
Wilderness School has credited Ms Young with paving the way for many young female athletes in a range of sports in South Australia.
“Ash has turned her great passion for sport into a successful career that has enabled so many young women to pursue a lifelong love of being active,” the report said.
'Her vision, in her own words, was to 'lead programs to ensure that ambitious young female athletes have the opportunity to reach the highest level, and to see every girl have fun with their friends and experience the joy of team sport '.
“She embodied this vision every day at Wilderness, with exceptional warmth, caring, kindness and humor.
'An incredible person, Ash was much loved by staff and students and had a huge impact within our community. She will be greatly missed.”
Ms. Young was known for inspiring young women to pursue their dreams on the sports field