Northern Ireland

Tributes gather at Co Antrim spot to remember talented teen soccer player Kaylee Black

A funeral will be held for Co Antrim teenager Kaylee Black next Tuesday. Picture: Crusaders Strikers FC/ Facebook
A funeral will be held for Co Antrim teenager Kaylee Black next Tuesday. Picture: Crusaders Strikers FC/ Facebook

FLOWERS, football jerseys and other items have been placed at a dedicated spot in Co Antrim in tribute to young soccer player Kaylee Black.

The talented teenager, who played for Crusaders Strikers FC U13 squad, died after being reported missing on Sunday.

Tributes to the 13-year-old have been placed at a gate in the Carnmoney Hill area of Newtownabbey, ahead of her funeral next Tuesday at Seaview Presbyterian Church. She will later be laid to rest at Ballyclare Cemetery.

Other items at the site left by friends and loved ones include goalkeeping gloves, to mark her passion for soccer, and soft toys.

A Year 9 pupil at Ballyclare Secondary School, she was described as a "very talented, kind, well-mannered pupil with a beautiful smile" in a tribute by the school.

A spokesperson added that "both staff and pupils are profoundly saddened by her death, and she will be remembered with great affection".