Football world in shock after 19-year-old Umina United star Aurelia Haynes suddenly dies in her sleep: ‘Beautiful soul’

The football community has come together to honour a rising star who died unexpectedly in her sleep at the age of 19. Tributes have poured in for a ‘beautiful, gentle soul’.

Law student Aurelia Haynes, who played for NSW Central Coast WPL team Umina United, died last month.

In a moving farewell to their teammate, the club played a match in her honour against Woongarrah FC at Umina Oval on Sunday 11 August.

Aurelia’s photo, her club number 24 shirt 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. We came together to pay our last respects to Aurelia, we welcomed Aurelia’s parents Philip and Kate and there was an outpouring of love throughout the afternoon,” the club said on its Facebook page.

‘We would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the girls as they played in honor of their teammate and friend Aurelia.

‘To Kaine, the players and the supporters of Woongarrah, your kindness, compassion and support has been amazing. We can’t thank you enough. And also to the two beautiful ladies who bought flowers, thank you.’

During her high school years, Aurelia was part of the Canberra United Academy program, which nurtured future stars, and she also attended Merici College, an all-girls college in the ACT.

Aurelia Haynes was a rising soccer star who died in her sleep at the age of 19 in the early hours of July 30

After graduating from the Academy, Aurelia played for Northbridge NPL U20 and Hills District before joining Umina.

She was also due to compete in the UniSport Futsal Championship in Canberra for Macquarie University, which started on Tuesday.

Announcing her passing on July 30, Umina said on August 2: ‘‘Aurelia brought her youthful energy, her friendly smile, dedication, gentle nature and her love for the game to our club.’

The comments were full of shocked and sad reactions from other clubs and people who knew Aurelia.

‘So sad, beautiful young lady. I worked with her in Gosford… it’s been a tough week in the office since I heard the news,’ one person wrote.

“So young and sweet. All our love for her parents.”

“Our deepest condolences to Aurelia’s family, friends and teammates at this very sad time,” another said.

Aurelia’s Central Coast team, Umina United, played a specially named ‘Aurelia Haynes Memorial Round’ to honour their club member

Aurelia’s Umina United WPL team played Woongarrah FC to honour Aurelia at Umina Oval

“It was a pleasure to watch you play. You will be missed by many.”

Aurelia’s previous clubs also paid tribute.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Aurelia Haynes. She passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday at the age of 19,” Northbridge FC said on Instagram.

‘Aurelia’s journey at Northbridge FC began as a dedicated young goalkeeper in our MiniRoos programme.

‘Her talent and passion for the sport saw her excel at 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 through every game and training session.

‘She cherished the fun and successes they experienced together, from the 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 of knowing her.

‘Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Aurelia’s family at this difficult time. She will always have a special place in the hearts of everyone at Northbridge FC. Rest in peace.’

The people who responded in the comments also expressed their sadness over the teenager’s death.

“She was a great teammate and person who will be greatly missed,” one wrote. “My condolences to her family,” another wrote.

“I was so sad to hear of her passing as I remember her love of football playing with Michael when she was little. I wish her eternal love and happiness.”

Aurelia combined her love for football with her law studies at Macquarie University in Sydney, which she would represent in the indoor football tournament

Canberra United FC said in a statement it was “devastated by the sudden and tragic passing of former Academy member Aurelia Haynes”.

“Canberra United FC extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Aurelia. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her,” the statement said.

Hills United Football Club also paid tribute on Facebook.

“Today our “Women of The Hills” gathered to honor and remember Aurelia Haynes, who sadly passed away peacefully in her sleep,” the post read.

“We were touched and honoured to have Aurelia’s father Phil on the pitch with us today. He was the fourth official for our first division match, along with the referees.”

‘Together with the crew from Southern Districts Football Assoc. we would like to thank Catherine Cannuli, while both the girls and senior teams respectfully honoured Aurelia with a minute’s silence and the wearing of black wristbands throughout the day.

‘Aurelia’s love for the game combined with her talent and passion has seen her enjoy an impressive NPL career over the years and it has been a privilege to have Aurelia as part of Hills United Football Club

“Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to Aurelia’s family during this difficult time.”

No cause of death has been released.

A funeral service for The Aurelia Mass was held on August 21 at St Stephen’s Anglican Church, in the northern Sydney suburb of Willoughby.