The Cumberland County League and the West Cumberland Sunday Football League will pay tribute to Cain Pears ahead of their opening fixtures this weekend.
Cain, a talented and much-loved footballer from Workington, died earlier this summer.
He was just 20 years old and had played for several local clubs, including Northside FC, Whitehaven AFC, Workington Juniors and Workington AFC, where he made a lasting impact both on and off the pitch.
He spent three seasons with Workington AFC’s development squad, scoring 16 goals in nearly 60 appearances, including a standout hat-trick in the Cumberland Cup.
But more importantly than anything he achieved on the pitch, Cain was a son, a family member, a boyfriend, and a friend.
His family said his death leaves a void that words cannot fill, having truly touched so many lives.
Cain died following a collision in the early hours of May 26 on the A595 between Whitehaven to Workington. The collision involved a red Ford Fiesta and Cain, a pedestrian.
To honour his memory, a period of applause will take place before kick-off across all league matches this weekend.
A spokesman for the Cumberland FA said: “We hope this gesture shows that the thoughts of the grassroots football community remain firmly with Cain’s family and friends, and that his spirit will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew him.”
The county league’s opening fixtures tomorrow are:
- Premier Division – Keswick v Wigton Harriers; Mirehouse v Aspatria; Unisun Athletic v Cleator Moor Celtic reserves; Workington juniors v Maryport Athletic.
- Division One – Carlisle City Development v Dearham Utd; Northbank v Whitehaven Miners Development; Silloth v Unisun Development; Whitehaven reserves v Cockermouth reserves.
The West Cumberland Sunday League games are:
- Premier Division – Deer Orchard v Thornhill; Lowca Pirates v Dearham Commercial; Northside v The Sun.
- Division One – King’s Arms v Senhouse Street; Maryport Amateurs v Royal Oak; Sun Inn Athletic v Mirehouse Juniors; Workington Falcons v Swan; Zebras v Sun Inn.
