When Brooke Stilgoe (nee Rangi) ran onto the pitch in Brisbane on 18 February 2004, she became the 119th Football Fern and part of footballing history. It wasn’t until 2020 that debutants were recognised with an official cap and so when New Zealand Football were asked, they jumped at the opportunity to present Brooke with her debut cap during a community led fundraiser.

NZF GM WWC Legacy and Special Projects, Paula Hansen said ‘The home FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 provided an opportunity for New Zealand Football to reconnect with and honour the women who laid the foundations that the Ford Football Ferns are built on today. Recognising former Football Ferns with their debut cap is part of our commitment to honouring and celebrating them. Unfortunately we were unable to be there on the day, but we knew Natalie Broadhead (WaiBOP Football) would uphold the mana of the cap and occasion when she officially presented Brooke with her cap, and a named football Ferns shirt.’

Former Football Fern Brooke Stilgoe (nee Rangi) (41), was diagnosed with brain cancer three years ago. She has been courageously fighting the disease in Australia, where she has been living with her husband and children. She returned home to Whakatāne last week.

Friends and family have rallied to celebrate and support Brooke and her family, and organised an event to support Brooke’s family, bringing together her love for football, friends and family.

The inaugural Brooke Stilgoe Cup was held on Sunday, 7 April at Rex Morpeth Park, Whakatāne. It saw  Brooke’s hometown football team, Whakatāne Town AFC, taking on Edgecumbe Plains Rangers.

The day also acted as a fundraiser for Brooke and Terry’s children, daughter Liv (10), and sons Lockie (9) and Tay (4). It saw all bar proceeds from Whakatāne Town AFC given to the family, as well as the proceeds from numerous raffles held on the day, thanks to the support of many local businesses who have pitched in.

Brooke played her local football for Whakatāne, Kawerau and Kahukura. Further afield, while studying in Pennsylvania, she was selected as one of eleven players in the country to represent the All-American Football Team, also captaining the Lock Haven University Football Team.

The large team of friends behind this event wish to thank all who have donated or supported the event.

“Brookie is just such a beautiful person inside and out and her diagnosis has left us all devastated,” says friend, Liz Taylor. Adding, “She has, and continues to fight with such determination and grace and we want to bring everyone who loves her together for a day full of love and laughter and really honour the incredible person she is.”

Whakatāne Town AFC hope that the inaugural Brooke Stilgoe Cup is the first of many contests played with Brooke 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.”

A Give a Little has also been set up for the family. Those wishing to donate can do so at https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/brookestilgoe

Article added: Friday 12 April 2024