Grassroots clubs across Cumbria will this week pay tribute to Carlisle footballer John McKenna, who died this summer.

John, 22, tragically passed away while on holiday in Ibiza in June.

He was a popular and well-known player with Scotby FC.

And the Cumberland Football Association are using the latest round of games to remember him.

The county FA have announced that a period of applause will be held before matches in a number of leagues.

They are inviting all adult leagues and teams to take part and show love from the “football family” to John and his family.

In a statement, the Cumberland FA said: “Adult football leagues and teams across Cumbria are asked to come together this week (from Thursday 30th and including the weekend of the 2nd and 3rd September) with a period of applause ahead of scheduled matches within The Carlisle City Sunday League, The Cumberland County League, The West Cumberland Sunday League, The Westmorland Football League and scheduled Cumberland FA Veterans and Women League Finals to remember John McKenna, who tragically passed away over the summer.

“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. 

“Having spoken with Scotby FC, teams from across the respective leagues are asked to join with them in a period of applause before their games 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.”

Scotby are also planning to create a permanent memorial to John at their pavilion, and donations can be made HERE

The young electrician, from Crosby-on-Eden, tragically died falling from a balcony while on holiday with friends.

They had been staying at an Azuline hotel in the town of Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio resort).

An inquest into his death was opened earlier this month.

Glowing tributes to John were paid after his passing, with his family saying: “We will all miss his bright spark, wonderful smile and the ability to light up every room.”

Flowers and a football shirt were laid outside the pavilion of Scotby FC.