THE funeral of young footballer Kaylee Black is due to take place in Belfast today.
Family and friends of the 13-year-old are expected to gather at Seaview Presbyterian Church to pay their last respects to the teenager.
A goalkeeper for Crusaders Strikers FC U13 squad, she died after being reported missing last week.
On Sunday, a minute’s silence in her memory was observed before the Irish Cup Final between Crusaders FC and Ballymena United.
Members of the Black family attended the match with Kaylee’s photograph also shown on the big screen at the match at Windsor Park.
In the 13th minute, the game was paused as players, officials and fans staged a minute’s applause.
In a tribute after Kaylee’s death, Crusaders Strikers said the club was “deeply saddened” by her passing.
“Kaylee was goalkeeper and valued member of our U13 SBYL (South Belfast Youth League) league winning side, who lifted their trophy last week at our first game at Seaview,” they said.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone who loved her during this sad time.”
Crusaders’ senior women’s team last week dedicated their win over Derry City to Kaylee with players wearing black armbands and t-shirts with her photograph.
Her funeral service will be held at Seaview Presbyterian Church at 10.15am and afterwards at Ballyclare Cemetery.
