CLUBS from across the region have paid moving tributes to a young footballer who died suddenly.
Cirencester Town Ladies posted on Twitter on Wednesday that their goalkeeper Carla Heaton had died at the age of 22.
The club said of the former Swindon Town 'keeper: "It is with great sadness to say our goalkeeper Carla Heaton has suddenly passed away.
“We are all lost for words but what we can say is how much of a beautiful person you were inside and out."
Cirencester Town are to pay special tribute to Carla in Sunday's cup match.
This Sunday we play @GasGirlsWFC dev in the Gordon Perrett cup. The game will be in memory of Carla and would be great to have as many people come along to show their support. It will be a tough day for us all but we are stronger when we are together 🔴⚫️ 🧤@CirenTownFC pic.twitter.com/Nu3wuw8ilg
— Cirencester Town Ladies (@TownCirencester) November 24, 2022
Sunday's rivals' Bristol Rovers have said that an 'enormous amount of respect should go to Carla's team mates for wanting to play on Sunday.'
💙 An enormous amount of respect goes to Carla's team mates at @TownCirencester for wanting to continue this Sunday. As a club, we would have agreed to any decision that was made by Cirencester Town.
— Bristol Rovers WFC (@GasGirlsWFC) November 24, 2022
You have our full support on what will be an emotional afternoon ⚽️❤️🖤 https://t.co/NWiTihD0pA
Last night Gloucester City women held a minute's silence before their match.
For Carla Heaton @TownCirencester 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/a00gOdMuFL
— Gloucester City Women (@GCAFCWomen) November 24, 2022
Dursley Town Ladies also did the same.
— DursleyTownLFC (@LfcDursley) November 25, 2022
Other clubs across the region have also paid tributes to Carla over the last few days.
This include Swindon Town Women, one of Carla's former clubs.
Carla brought a shining light to the dressing room with her personality and her performances between the sticks were second to none. She will be greatly missed by the players in our current squad who were honoured to have known her and shared the pitch with her. pic.twitter.com/TTcoy2137w
— Swindon Town WFC (@SwindonTownWFC) November 23, 2022
Welsh international Natasha Harding said: "Sending love and support to Carla’s family, friends and everyone at the club."
Sending love and support to Carla’s family, friends and everyone at the club🕊
— Tash Harding (@tashharding09) November 23, 2022
Cheltenham Town Ladies said: "Truly devastating news, our hearts are with you all at the Club and with all friends and family."
Truly devastating news, our hearts are with you all at the Club and with all friends and family ❤️
— Cheltenham Town Ladies FC (@CTLadies) November 24, 2022
The Gloucestershire FA has sent their condolences to Carla's family and friends.
"Everyone at the GFA sends our deepest condolences to Ms Heaton's family and friends.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew her at such a sad time."
Everyone at the GFA sends our deepest condolences to Ms Heaton's family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew her at such a sad time
— Gloucestershire FA ⚽ (@GlosFA) November 24, 2022
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