Young Scots female footballer, 16, tragically dies as tributes paid to ‘amazing girl’
TRIBUTES have poured in for an "amazing girl" who died suddenly aged 16.
Orla Taylor from Fyvie, near Turriff, tragically passed away on New Year's Day after developing sepsis over the Christmas Holidays.
The Turriff United Youth player and coach, who from a young age "loved football", was described by loved ones as a "happy, outgoing girl".
"We never dreamt for one moment we would lose her," said heartbroken mum Fiona told the .
"We just miss her so much," added dad Scott.
"She was always a little bit of a tomboy, but even then she was able to show some of the boys how it was done," said Fiona.
The otherwise fit and healthy footballer had a "bit of a cough" in the lead-up to Christmas when she contracted the flu, which later turned into a respiratory infection and sepsis.
On Christmas Day, she developed a temperature and a week later, she sadly died.
"We were told she had flu. By Hogmanay she was much worse so we called for emergency help. We are so incredibly grateful to the nurse practitioner and paramedics who immediately began treating Orla, believing it to be sepsis," said Fiona.
“Orla was just so dedicated. And she was so encouraging of everyone else playing that she took on the role of head coach for her old school, Fyvie Primary, as well,” said Scott.
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“The club has said they will now retire her shirt. Orla will be forever number four,” Fiona added.
Turriff United Youth Football Club paid tribute to the player on social media, writing: "Orla was a vibrant young player who played such an important role in our girls section over the years, with taking on the role of captain last year for our U16’s.
"She was so passionate about football and had over the last year started to coach not only her our own team but took the head coach role for Fyvie Primary School team as well.
"This passion was recognised by everyone and she was rewarded with Player of the Year at our recent presentation evening.
"She had a smile on her face for everyone and a great role model for our younger players.
"We will remember Orla in our own way as a club. However, this tragic news is still very raw within our girl's teams and the club as a whole. and we are taking the time to support them through this sad time.
"You are never just a football player or a teammate. You are part of an extended family, and Orla was certainly one of ours."
Orla's funeral will be held at Fyvie Parish Church a 11.30 am on Monday, January 27.
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"We’ve been told her friends will be in their football kits,” added Scott, “in honour of their captain and beloved friend.”
"Her service is actually on the day when it would have been the PE prelim. She would have been tickled by the fact it’s had to be postponed in her honour," said Fiona.