Tributes have been paid to a popular stalwart of the local football scene, who has passed away at 57 after a long battle with breast cancer.

The death of Tracy Banfield was announced on Monday by her husband, Brian, who posted on Facebook: “After three years of battle with cancer, my treasured wife of 28 years and partner in crime for 31 years finally came second and sadly passed away peacefully this morning at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice.

“Needless to say, we are all devastated but so proud of her fight, never complaining about all the things she has gone through.”

Tracy, who lived at Whitemoor, had served both St Dennis FC and St Austell FC as secretary. She was also a director of the South West Peninsula Football League and held the position of welfare officer, as well as managing registrations with the Kernow Youth League and being a trustee of the Devon and Cornwall League Benevolent Fund.

In a tweet, the South West Peninsula Football League called Tracy “a true servant to the game”.

League secretary Phil Hiscox told the Voice: “In these days when people talk about equality, Tracy rubbed shoulders in a men’s league without batting an eyelid. She absolutely commanded respect, having come from a background of running clubs herself.

“I have known her for 15 years, and would describe her as a feisty Cornish maid,” he continued. “On one occasion at an evening game in St Austell, we heard a supporter call the referee a very rude name. Tracy tore a strip off him. She might have been five-foot nothing, but that was her character. The guy was put in his place and watched the match from the other end of the ground after that.”

Phil said the league would mark Tracy’s contribution to local football at some point in the future.

Tracy had spent the last four seasons as secretary of St Austell FC before standing down in May due to her illness.

St Austell club chairman Jason Powe said he was shocked to hear the news.

“She battled courageously, and we are going to miss how she kept us all on our toes,” he said. “She wasn’t afraid to tell us when we were wrong! She’s a big loss to anyone who came into contact with her.”

Social media was awash with tributes.

Cornwall FA tweeted: “Tracy Banfield epitomised the true value of volunteering in the local football community. A respected, valued friend to everyone and a desperately sad loss. Our thoughts are with her family.”

Husband Brian’s Facebook post drew hundreds of comments.

Liv Kellow said: I knew Tracey as a child at Roche panto and later worked with her at St Mewan…such a lovely, lovely lady.”

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