Football teams and leagues and teams across Cumbria have been asked to come together to remember a county player who died this year.
From yesterday, Thursday August 30, and including this weekend, a period of applause has been asked for in memory of the Scotby player John McKenna.
Matches will be in the Carlisle City Sunday League, the Cumberland County League, The West Cumberland Sunday League, the Westmorland League and scheduled Cumberland FA Veterans and Women League Finals.
John, 22, was a popular, gifted and well respected player with Carlisle City Sunday League side, Scotby FC. He was described by his team-mates as a ‘brilliant player but an even better person’.
More importantly, John was a son, a brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to many.
He died while on holiday with friends in Ibiza in June, falling from a balcony.
The Cumberland County FA has spoken with Scotby FC, and have asked teams from across the respective leagues to join with them in a period of applause before their games.
A County FA spokesman said: “This is to not only pay grassroots football respect to ‘the big man’, but to also remind all those who knew and loved him that he, as the club so eloquently put it, ‘will never be forgotten, always loved’ and forever a part of the football family.
“For those wishing and able, a fundraiser has been established for the JackTheLadFoundation, and to create a permanent memorial at Scotby pavilion.”
