Workington Reds are to be part of a special six team tournament at Longridge Town in July.
The West Cumbrians have been invited to take part in the club’s annual tournament in memory of a former captain George Melling.
Diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021, father-of-three George died in April 2022 aged 37.
As well as captain of Longridge Town he had been on the books of Blackpool and Morecambe while his other non-League clubs included Altrincham, Kendal Town and Colne.
At the time of his death his widow Nicci Melling said: “Motor neurone disease is not the definition of George Melling, it was just the cruel, cruel disease that took him away from us.
“He was a fantastic father, a terrible dancer, the life and soul of the party and I’m so very proud to call him my husband.”
The initial tournament was held last year with four teams taking part – Longridge, Euxton Villa, Garstang and Fulwood Amateurs.
This year it has been extended to six teams and will be played over the one week-end – July 6 and 7.
Joining Reds and Longridge will be Clitheroe, Bamber Bridge, Coppull United and Fulwood Amateurs.
Like Longridge Town, Reds have also been touched by the devastation of an MND illness and subsequent death of popular midfielder Tony Hopper.
Tony was 42 when he died of the disease in 2018 and Reds subsequently named the social club bar in his honour.
