Inspiring Norwood Football Club women’s co-ordinator Ashleigh Young dies aged 31

An influential and passionate figure who inspired hundreds of female athletes has died surrounded by friends and family, leaving an “immense hole” in the sporting community.

Local women's footy hero Ashleigh Young has died aged 31. Picture: Norwood Football Club

An influential local women’s footy hero has been remembered as a mother figure, friend and confidant after her sudden death.

Ms Young, 31, died in hospital surrounded by friends and family on Thursday night, after suffering complications related to her asthma.

A passionate sports administrator and coach, Ashleigh Young was the Female Football Coordinator at Norwood Football Club and Director of Sport and Recreation at private all-girls school Wilderness.

The 31-year-old grew up watching her dad on the football field and quickly became captivated by the competitive world, playing multiple sports through her schooling before pursuing a career in sports administration.

After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Sport and Recreation Management, Ms Young went on to hold roles with Football Federation South Australia, as the SANFL’s girls under-18s State Team Manager and as an administrative assistant at Sacred Heart College.

In 2022, Ms Young joined Norwood Football club as female footy co-ordinator and contributed to the development of both the senior women and junior girls programs.

Local women's footy hero Ashleigh Young has died aged 31. Picture: Norwood Football Club

Ms Young has been remembered for her inspirational impact on hundreds of aspiring female athletes. Picture: Wilderness School

In a statement shared on Friday, the club said its community had been left devastated by Ms Young’s death.

“A warm and caring individual, Ashleigh played diverse roles in the lives of so many at our club — a mother figure, a sister, a friend, a mentor, and a confidant,” they said.

“In essence, she was a beautiful lady. Her smile, commitment and unwavering determination to support programs she believed in and proudly led will be greatly missed.

“Her absence leaves a significant void, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, partner and friends.”

The club said it shared in Ms Young’s loved ones’ sorrow of losing “such a remarkable person” and noted her profound and positive impact on the Norwood community.

“May her memory continue to inspire and bring comfort during this difficult time. Our club, players, coaches, staff, volunteers and supporters will miss you greatly,” they said.

Ms Young also joined Wilderness School has Director of Sport and Recreation in 2022, with the school saying her “exceptional warmth, care, kindness and humour” would be deeply missed.

“Ash channelled her great passion for sport into a successful career which has enabled so many young women to build a lifelong love of being active,” the school said.

“Her vision in her own words was to ‘lead programs to ensure that aspiring 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’.

“An incredible person, Ash was very much loved by staff and students and made a tremendous impact within our community. She will be deeply missed.”

The Norwood Football Club said Ms Young’s death left an immense hole in the community. Picture: Norwood Football Club

News of Ms Young’s death has been met with an outpouring of grief from players and families touched by her passion.

The mother of Redlegs SANFLW player Kaitey Whittaker said Ms Young had formed a “beautiful bond” with her daughter, helping her settle into Adelaide after moving south from Darwin to pursue her footy dreams.

“Ash was truly a beautiful, caring, kind young lady with a heart of gold,” Chantal Cook Whittaker said.

“I owe her immense gratitude for helping my daughter Kaitey settle in when she moved alone from Darwin at 18 … Ash was like a second mum to Kaitey, offering support when she felt homesick ensuring she felt at home.

“On tough days, Ash provided extra hugs, love and support.

“I am so thankful Ash was there to care for my daughter. I am heartbroken to hear of Ash’s passing and I have a devastated daughter who is going to miss her so much”

SANFL Female Programs Talent Coordinator Bek McMahon said Ms Young was “the cure to her every problem, check in and go-to”.

“Your smile makes me happy, always. I love you more than words can ever describe,” she wrote in a social media tribute.

“I love you so much my friend, may you fly high and give me s*** always and forever.”