Lisbellaw stalwart Kenny Forde will be remembered by the club on Friday, as they host a charity match in his memory.

The former manager passed away in February this year, and on Friday evening the football club will host a match packed with players who have played under and against Kenny in an encounter between Lisbellaw United FC and an eleven comprised of Leeds United supporters.

Ian Hood is one player who is digging out his old boots for a return to the pitch in honour of Kenny.

“He was a lifetime stalwart of the club,” recalled Ian.

“He had been manager, treasurer, and all round general club man, and the last few years he had been looking after all the kits. He was Mr Lisbellaw. We are having a gather up of old Lisbellaw players who he would have managed over the years. He was also an avid Leeds United fan and we will have a load of Leeds fans getting together.

“Jimmy McGrath, who used to manage Lisbellaw, is managing the old Lisbellaw side and Robbie Fitzpatrick who is a big Leeds fan is gathering all the Leeds fan from round and about.”

Kenny’s passion for youth football is reflected in the choice of charities, with two local schools set to benefit from the evening.

“We will have a barbeque on the night and we will have a few collection buckets, and all monies will be going to the two primary schools in Lisbellaw, Tattygare and Lisbellaw Primary School,” explained Ian.

“The youth was very close to Kenny’s heart. Only after he died I was informed that in recent years he had bought a football kit for each school and didn’t really tell anybody. That is the sort of guy he was.”

Kenny’s family are also set to make a presentation of a framed shirt to the club for display in the clubhouse, and Ian is hoping that a large crowd will turn out for the occasion, with the match kicking off at 7pm on Friday July 23. “There is a lot of interest from around the county of people who knew Kenny so hopefully there will be a good attendance and we will raise a bit of money for the two schools.”