FOR the first time in the history of the Uppies & Downies game, players and supporters will have a virtual gathering instead of a mass football game.

The much-loved Easter series has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, but everyone is being invited to virtually start the game on Good Friday to respect the tradition.

Players will also do their bit to raise cash for frontline NHS staff by raffling a charity ball, made by official ball maker Mark Rawlinson.

Mark, who has made the balls for 41 years, said: “We thought it would be really nice for people in Workington to look back at all the memories of the game.

“It will be very weird not being down at the Cloffocks on Friday, it’s a first for the game, it still went ahead even during the two world wars. My thought goes out to the players, it’s not my game, I’m not the gaffer.”

Sad to miss out on their beloved game, players approached local photographer and video-maker Tom Kay for help.

Tom, who has been documenting the game through his pictures and videos for many years, will be uploading a special video at 6.30pm on Good Friday, which looks back at past matches.

People are being encouraged to join-in on his Facebook page Tom Kay Photographic and his YouTube channel Tomf00l to share their memories and pictures of the game.

The video will only be a few minutes long, and then it will be up to players and supporters to keep the memories flowing, just as though it was a match.

Tom said: “I was really happy to help, it’s a shame the games can’t go ahead, but it’s a necessity. I didn’t want to make a really long video, because I wanted it to be a bit like an Uppies & Downies match, it’s up to the players to keep it going.

“Hopefully we can raise a few self-isolation glasses to all the players and supporters past and present.”

The special charity ball is in the process of being signed by local frontline health workers and will be raffled at a later date.

A charity event to raise cash for West House will still go ahead once coronavirus restrictions are lifted.

And Mark has also made a suggestion to further help NHS workers.

“I’d love to see just one game played on Boxing Day, just for once in a lifetime, a game in the pouring rain and snow. It would be magnificent if we could also raise money for the NHS while doing it.”

In the 1950s a match ball was made and signed by staff at Workington Hospital. The players are appealing for anyone who may have any information on this ball or may have it to contact them.