Football teams to remember boy, 8, killed at farm

County football teams will come together to remember an eight-year-old boy who died after being shot at a farm in west Cumbria.

Jay Cartmell was shot in the head and face last month on land near Warcop, and died of his injuries in hospital.

A man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and was later released on bail.

The youngster, from Frizington, was a defender at Whitehaven Miners Football Club, and football teams across the county will come together to remember him with a one-minute applause at games this weekend.

In a statement, Cumberland FA said: "We want to fill social media with the collective condolences of the grassroots football community and, in doing so, show Jay's friends and family the true spirit of Cumbrian football."

Various leagues, including the Carlisle City Sunday League, the Cumberland County League and the West Cumbria Youth Football League, will stand and applaud ahead of their games on Saturday and Sunday.

Teams playing outside the county, and those in the national leagues - including Carlisle City FC, Workington AFC and Whitehaven Ladies, will also take part ahead of their next home fixtures.

Cumberland FA added: "Clubs and teams are encouraged to share pictures, videos and posts of them observing the minute's applause using #forever8."

In a tribute issued last week, Jay's parents, Leigha and James Cartmell, said Jay loved being outdoors and shared his passion for motorcyle speedway with his dad.

"Jay was extremely loved, not only by us, but by all who met him. He had fantastic friends and always had a smile on his face," his parents said.

"We will miss him every day, but his love surrounds us and his memory will never fade."

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