Footballer, 10, who 'lit up pitch' dies from cancer

A coach has paid tribute to a "positive" and "passionate" 10-year-old footballer who died earlier this week from liver cancer.

Minute-long rounds of applause will be held at Rothwell Juniors FC matches across the weekend in Ella Lynch's memory.

A memorial has also been set up at the gates between the West Riding FA and Rothwell Juniors grounds, where flowers, cards and pictures have been left.

"She was a force to be reckoned with on the football field," coach Angela Heap said.

Ella played for Rothwell Juniors' girls' teams for several years after joining the club at the age of six.

"She was so passionate, really physical and strong, and as a teammate, she was loyal and kind to all of her friends," said Heap.

A wreath‑laying ceremony will take place before the under‑10 girls' match this morning, with teammates and families invited to gather on the pitch.

Ella, a Leeds United fan, was able to play with her club as recently as December, returning after completing chemotherapy to play for half an hour in a friendly match.

Heap, who coaches the under‑10 girls' team, said Ella always brought energy and enthusiasm to training and matches.

"She had such a great sense of humour and was just so great to be around."

Heap added that Ella "lit up the pitch" whenever she played and had an energy "everyone fed off".

"She always came over with a smile, even on the tough days, the girls absolutely adored her, she brought everyone together, she was that kind of child."

Ella's family and the club want the applause to be a celebration of Ella's life in a place that had been special to her.

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