Cumbrian football teams hold round of applause to honour Jay Cartmell

The eight-year-old, who played for Whitehaven Miners Social FC, tragically died in a firearm incident near Warcop on September 28.

Football teams held a round of applause ahead of their games at the weekend in honour of Jay and shared photos and videos online under the hashtag #forever8.

Cumberland FA said it wanted 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.

Whitehaven AFC posted: “This weekend across all of our teams we observed a minute’s applause in memory of Jay Cartmell.

Whitehaven AFC join football teams across the county in a round of applause for Jay Cartmell (Image: Facebook)

“Football within Cumberland remains shocked and devastated by the tragic loss of Jay Cartmell who was a youth player for Whitehaven Miners Social Football Club.”

Windscale AFC said: “Earlier on this month the county of Cumbria was truly rocked by the tragic news of Jay Cartmell.

Windscale AFC pay tribute to Jay Cartmell (Image: Submitted)

“This weekend the whole of Cumbria came together to pay respects to a special little man.

“Windscale AFC paid respects from seniors to Juniors over this weekend at every game.

“Our thoughts continue to be with everyone at Whitehaven Miners and the whole of Jay’s family.”

Bransty Rangers JFC wrote: “Earlier on this month our county was saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Jay Cartmell.

Bransty Rangers take part in the round of applause (Image: Facebook)

“Our thoughts continue to be with everyone at Whitehaven Miners Social  Football Club. and the whole of Jays family.”

Workington Town Girls FC posted: “Our teams in action this weekend shared their collective condolences to our grassroots football family Whitehaven Miners Social Football Club after the loss of Jay by taking part in a minute’s applause before their matches.

Workington Town Girls FC hold a round of applause for Jay Cartmell (Image: Facebook)

“Rest in peace Jay.”

Following the incident on land not far from the A66, a 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter and has since been released on bail.

As police continue with their enquiries, they are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or the moments leading up to it, to come forward.

Anyone with information which may assist can report to police online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit quoting incident number 135 of 28 September 2024. They can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.