A sports journalist is launching a charity in memory of his professional footballer sister following her recent death aged 27.

Richard Cusack, who works for Reach plc title Football.London, has announced the launch of The Maddy Cusack Foundation, which will aim to support young female footballers.

The Sheffield United player died at her home in Horsley, Derbyshire, on 20 September and an inquest into her death, which is not being treated as suspicious, has been opened and adjourned.

Her family have already raised more than £4,500 towards a £10,000 target to set up the charity in her memory.

Richard, pictured, told HTFP: “We are blown away by the response to the launch of the foundation and grateful for the support.

“It is a testament to Maddy’s impact on football and the community that the Foundation’s launch has been received as it has.

“We want to ensure that Maddy’s impact on football continues after her untimely death and the Foundation will cement her standing as a pillar of the community in women’s football.”

Richard began his career with Reach as a Burton Albion club writer in 2017 after graduating from the University of Derby.

He then became a trends writer in the publisher’s Midlands Sport unit before taking up a content editor role in 2022.

He moved to Football.London this year and currently serves as its US audience editor.