Maddy Cusack’s family and teammates, and supporters of the foundation, will walk more than 40 miles on Saturday to raise money for the foundation created in her honour.
The walk from the Pride Park Stadium in Derby to Bramall Lane has already raised more than double its target.
Team members at EFD Sport and Education approached the foundation with the idea for the event, wanting to help raise awareness of the foundation’s work.
Jack Andrews, one of the organisers, said: “We just thought it was something absolutely ideal to get behind.
“The reason we’re doing it is to get behind the foundation and raise awareness of the foundation to make sure as many eyes are on it as possible.”
Maddy, who made over 100 appearances for Sheffield United, tragically died in September.
Her sister Olivia Cusack said: “We created the foundation in honour of my sister, as a way to keep her legacy alive on and off the pitch.
“The idea came about when we went to a vigil for Maddy back in September and we met a lovely little girl called Madison. She explained to us that she actually met Maddy before and she was working quite closely with her – she had a few issues getting into a girls’ team and kind of getting started with football.Maddy actually helped her get through those barriers.”
“The main goal is to help aspiring young, particularly female, footballers. The vast majority at the moment is pointing towards the lack of resources – so that’s a massive goal of ours, to eliminate that.”
“The amount of love and continued support that we’ve been shown is mind-blowing.”
The JustGiving page for the event has already surpassed its goal by over £1,000.
Mr Andrews said: “We’re so grateful to everyone that’s contributed to the fundraiser, whether that be contributing money, sharing the post, or raising awareness of the walk.”
Miss Cusack encouraged supporters to follow along with their efforts on social media, saying: “One thing that’ll really get us through is reading those words of encouragement and picking up the team spirit a little bit.”
Given Maddy’s passion for fitness, Olivia said: “It was a no-brainer that if we were going to do something that spoke out to Maddy, it was going to be something that was pretty intense! I think she’d absolutely love it.”
“I think she’d be really, really proud of us.”