Football Fundraiser In Memory Of 'Excellent Goalkeeper'

Sunday, 22 August 2021 06:00

Teams are taking part in a football tournament to celebrate the life of a man who died after testing positive for coronavirus.

47-year-old father of three, James Keating, passed away in hospital on 18 July after testing positive for COVID-19.

A tournament is being held in memory of the island footballer and will be raising money to support his family.

Mr. Keating had previously played for Trinity and Rozel Rovers.

James Scott, who has organised the tournament, told Channel 103 how James would've reacted to the positive response:

"The amount of people who have signed up to play in the tournament is testament to James himself, I think he'd be blown away with the uptake."

"It's fitting that all his family will be there to see it first hand as well, and it will show how loved he was as a person."

"There's no other way the football community can show our support than what we're doing for him on Sunday"

It kicks off at 1pm, at Springfield Stadium, with a minute's silence, balloon release, and applause in memory of James Keating before kick-off at 12:45pm.

Alongside the tournament, a silent auction of football memorabilia has been held.

Items up for grabs include a Cristiano Ronaldo #7 signed and framed Juventus shirt, Steven Gerrard signed and framed photograph, and the gloves of Italy and Juventus star, Gianluigi Buffon.

Spectators are welcome to attend at Springfield from midday to cheer on the teams while raising money for James' family.