In a community rocked by grief, the Risborough Rangers F.C. has announced the heartbreaking loss of a young player, Grace Middleton, a cherished member of its Under‑13 girls football team.
The club described the circumstances as “truly tragic”, sharing that Grace had passed away and that her absence has left a deep void among her teammates, coaches and all who knew her.
Grace had grown up within the club’s junior ranks, joining Risborough Rangers at an early age and progressing through the teams with a spirit that marked her out among her peers.
For several years she was a constant presence on training grounds and match days, known for her enthusiasm, her smile and her genuine love of the game.
According to the official club statement, she was considered an “integral, much‑loved member of the team”, someone for whom football was not merely a pastime but a shared passion that helped shape part of her young life.
Club Statement:
Risborough Rangers F.C.
It is with deep sadness and under truly tragic circumstances that we share the news of the passing of one of our U13 girls players, Grace Middleton.
Grace had been part of the club for a number of years and was an integral, much-loved member of the team and cherished by both her teammates and coaches. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Grace’s family and all those close to her during this incredibly difficult time. The club will continue to offer support to everyone affected by this loss.
A memorial event to celebrate Grace’s life will be arranged in due course, with her family’s blessing, and all messages of condolence will be shared with them.
The announcement of her passing has prompted an outpouring of sorrow across the wider football community. Local non‑league forums and supporters’ groups were among the first to relay the news, many expressing profound sadness and sending thoughts to Grace’s family during this devastating time.
In the hours following the statement, messages of condolence came from parents of other clubs, fellow young players and supporters who recognised the pain of losing someone so young and full of promise.
While the precise circumstances surrounding Grace’s death have not been publicly disclosed, the club’s language underscores just how deeply the loss has affected the Risborough Rangers family.
In their statement, the club emphasised its commitment to supporting all those impacted, from her immediate teammates to the volunteers and coaches who spent countless hours nurturing the club’s junior setup. In doing so, they have sought to offer some measure of comfort to those struggling with the shock.
Plans are already underway to honour her life. With the blessing of her family, the club has committed to arranging a memorial event that will allow members of the community to come together to celebrate Grace’s spirit, her contributions to the team and the joy she brought to so many.
The club has also stated that messages of condolence will be formally shared with her family, creating a lasting tribute to her memory.
For many at Risborough Rangers, Grace was more than just a player. She was a friend, a teammate and a young person whose involvement with the club represented the heart of youth sport — camaraderie, teamwork and shared experiences.
Her presence on the pitch was a daily reminder of why voluntary football clubs exist: to build confidence, friendships and community through sport.
In this difficult period, parents, coaches and supporters alike have rallied around one another.
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