FOOTBALL teams from across Cumbria are set to pay tribute to eight-year-old Jay Cartmell with a minutes applause.

Jay, who was a defender at Whitehaven Miner Football Club, tragically died in a firearm incident at a farm near Warcop on Saturday, September 28.

Now, football clubs from across the county will pay tribute to Jay with a minute's applause ahead of games on Saturday, October 12, and October 13.

Teams in the Carlisle City Sunday League, The Carlisle Glass Longhorn Youth Football League, and The Cumberland County League amongst others will take part in the tribute, with the Cumberland FA encouraging teams and clubs to share pictures and videos using the hashtag #forever8.

Writing on their website, The Cumberland FA said: "Working in conjunction with the club's wishes, The Carlisle City Sunday League, The Carlisle Glass Longhorn Youth Football League, The Cumberland County League, The Penrith & District Junior Football League, The West Cumberland Sunday League, The West Cumbria Youth Football League, The Westmorland Football League and Cumberland FA Andrea Buggy Women's League have all agreed to take part in a minutes applause ahead of this weekends' games as part of a countywide tribute to Jay.

"Further to this, teams playing within the National League and those participating within leagues outside of the county including Workington AFC, Carlisle City FC, Penrith AFC, Cleator Moor Celtic FC, Whitehaven AFC and Whitehaven Ladies, Workington Town Women, and Windscale AFC have also all agreed to take part ahead of their next respective home fixtures.

"Clubs and teams are encouraged to share pictures, videos, and posts of them observing the minutes applause using #forever8.

"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."

The tribute to Jay will also take place days before his funeral, which has been confirmed to be held on Thursday, October 17. 

Writing on social media, Adams, Read & Hocking Funeral Directors said: "Sadly we announce that the funeral for the late Jay Cartmell will take place at Distington Hall Crematorium on Thursday, October 17 at 1.15pm.

"Family flowers only please.  

"Donations, if desired, to the Pride of Cumbria Great North Air Ambulance, the Snowdrop Suite, Alder Hey Children's Hospital and P.I.C.U - Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle.  To donate, please see: https://www.arhfuneraldirectors.com/donations/

"For those attending the service, the wearing of informal clothing is welcome, especially football and Workington Comets shirts.

"All enquiries, please contact us on 01946 810241 or at enquiries@arhfuneraldirectors.com"

A 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter following the incident and has since been released on bail.