An annual trophy match in her name will celebrate the life of Football Fern #119 Brooke Stilgoe, who has died aged 41.
Her former club, Whakatane Town, will stage the Brooke Stilgoe Cup in memory of the player who played three internationals for New Zealand, and who played successfully in the United States, as well as for her local clubs, Whakatāne, Kawerau and Kahukura.
Brooke Stilgoe (nee Rangi) died at home, on August 20, 2024, more than three years after being diagnosed with cancer.
She leaves partner Terry Stilgoe, daughter Liv and sons Lockie and Tay.
She played her first game for the Ferns in Brisbane in February 2004, becoming Fern #119.
Further afield, while studying in Pennsylvania, she was selected as one of 11 players in the country to represent the All-American Football Team, also captaining the Lock Haven University Football Team.
In April 2024, NZ Football presented her with her debut cap in a special ceremony at Whakatāne, that also saw the launch of the Brooke Stilgoe Cup, for which the inaugural game was played between Whakatāne Town and Edgecumbe Plains Rangers.
Main photo: Brooke Stilgoe receives her debut cap. Photo credit: Wainui Creative.
The Stilgoe family attended the game, soon after returning to live in Whakatāne after living in Australia.
Announcing the trophy in April, Whakatāne Town said they hoped the Brooke Stilgoe Cup would be the first of many contests played with their former Football Fern in mind.
“We hope to create a lasting legacy for Brookie just like the major impact she’s had on both the Whakatāne District football community and all those she’s touched throughout her life to date.”
Acknowledgement
We are grateful to WaiBOP Football for providing information for this story.
READ MORE: Love and laughter as community rallies to celebrate former Fern Brooke Stilgoe >>>>
Brooke Stilgoe (nee Rangi) (September 7, 1982 — August 20, 2024)
Brooke Stilgoe’s life was celebrated on Friday August 23, 2024, at Willetts Chapel, Whakatāne, after which her family laid her to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery.
Obituaries
Through the publication of obituaries, Friends of Football tries to recognise the loss of those who have significantly contributed to our game.
