A former chaplain at Sheffield United has told an inquest that the club did not have a safeguarding culture in place prior to the death of women's team player Maddy Cusack. The chaplain, who worked at the club for over a decade, said there was a lack of pastoral support for players and staff, and that concerns raised were often dismissed.
Inquest hears evidence of systemic failures
The inquest into the death of 27-year-old Maddy Cusack, who died in September 2023, has heard evidence from multiple witnesses about the environment at Sheffield United. The former chaplain, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said that the club's focus was on performance rather than welfare, and that there was no formal process for players to report concerns.
According to the chaplain, when issues were raised, they were often met with a 'brush-off' attitude. The chaplain also stated that the club's management was resistant to implementing safeguarding measures, despite repeated requests. This lack of support, the chaplain suggested, contributed to a toxic culture that left players vulnerable.
Club's response and ongoing investigation
Sheffield United has said it is cooperating fully with the inquest and has implemented new safeguarding policies since Cusack's death. The club expressed its condolences to the family and said it was committed to learning from the tragedy. However, the chaplain's testimony has raised serious questions about the duty of care owed to players in professional women's football.
The inquest continues, with further evidence expected from current and former players. The Professional Footballers' Association has called for a wider review of safeguarding practices across the sport. According to the PFA, 'The death of Maddy Cusack has exposed deep-rooted issues that must be addressed to protect players at all levels.'
Broader implications for women's football
The case has highlighted the unique challenges faced by women's football, which has seen rapid growth but often lacks the infrastructure and support systems of the men's game. Experts say that clubs must prioritize welfare alongside performance, and that independent oversight is needed to ensure accountability.
The chaplain's testimony included specific examples of incidents where players felt unsupported, including cases of mental health struggles being ignored. The inquest heard that Cusack had previously sought help for anxiety, but was not given adequate support. The chaplain said, 'There was a culture of silence. Players were afraid to speak up because they thought it would affect their careers.'
The inquest is expected to conclude later this week, with the coroner likely to make recommendations for changes in football governance. The family of Maddy Cusack has called for a legacy of improved safeguarding, saying that no other family should have to go through what they have endured.
