How Toone is navigating grief through football
Ella Toone, an England and Manchester United midfielder, is navigating her grief after the loss of her father, Nick, who was a significant influence in her football career. In a new documentary, she reflects on their bond over the sport and how she continues to honor his legacy. Toone emphasizes the importance of football in coping with her loss and dedicates every goal to her late father.
- ▪Ella Toone's father, Nick, passed away three days before his 60th birthday, shortly after she turned 25.
- ▪Toone credits her father as the main reason for her success in football and dedicated every goal to him.
- ▪After her father's death, she returned to training quickly, believing it was what he would have wanted.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Sport InsightHow Toone is navigating grief through footballPublished7 minutes agoImage source, Getty ImagesBySophie TrifonoffBBC Sport journalistThere will be an empty chair at Ella Toone's wedding this summer.The England and Manchester United midfielder is preparing to walk down the aisle without her dad Nick - the man she dedicates every goal to and credits as the "main reason" where she is in her career.In a new BBC documentary, 24 Hours with Ella Toone, she opens up on grief and navigating that as a professional athlete, while also ensuring her father's legacy and being a "pioneer for women's football" is now helping the next generation.Toone knew that hours after every match, she would always get a phone call from Nick.He and her mum, Karen, would always come to watch Toone's…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC Sport.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from BBC Sport
