Hundreds of friends, family and teammates, including players and staff from Swindon Town, gathered at Kingsdown Crematorium today to lay to rest 'beautiful and talented' 15-year-old goalie Rhiannon Brown.

Known as Rhi to friends, she passed away last month after falling ill at school.

The service was bathed in Swindon Town red on an overcast afternoon as pall bearers entered to the sound of Don't You Worry Child, by Swedish House Mafia.

Robert Rowe, leading the service, asked the congregation: "How much time is enough?

"We always long for that one more chance to talk to our loved ones, and when you love someone there is never enough time.

"Rhiannon was one person who knew how to live and would make people see thing differently."

Jon Holloway, of Swindon Town in the Community Trust, recalled Rhiannon's entry into football, including her penalty mind games, growling at the opposition, and catching her munching on her favoured burgers and Dr Pepper.

"Rhiannon, today I am speaking to you on behalf of every football coach that had the pleasure of you being in their team," he said.

This Is Wiltshire:

  • A tribute message to Rhiannon Brown at Kingsdown Crematorium today

“Her first involvement was when she was 12-years-old and came to her first training session.

“She was surprisingly shy at that point and had to be coaxed out of  the car, but once she joined in it was clear to see this was a young girl with a special talent for goalkeeping.”

Jon said Rhiannon helped turn around the fortunes of the under-16s squad with an immediate 
impact.

“The team had not experienced a win all season until her first match against Swansea,” he said.

“With a giant second half performance they clinched their first win, and it was their 
goalkeeper who earned them the victory with a string of excellent saves. 

“They then went on a 10-match unbeaten run.

“She rallied her team with that bulldog spirit of hers. Nobody messed with Rhiannon. 

“Do not cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. 

“Football does not only build character but reveals it. 

“Thank you, Rhiannon, for being a wonderful character and for being so special.”

After the familiar Match of the Day theme tune played out, Rhiannon’s godmother Lisa read a poem packed with her favourite memories of the teenager.

And her mother, Caroline, chose some words to be read out.

“We hope you’re dancing in the sky. 

“Fly high, my beautiful, talented Rhiannon,” she said.

Hymns and the FA Cup hymn, Abide With Me, preceded exit music Chocolate, by The 1975, with Rhiannon’s former teammates milling around the coffin to say a final goodbye.

Family and friends then gathered at the Winners Lounge at the County Ground to share more precious memories.