A FOOTBALL club has organised a match on Sunday in memory of a teenager who supported them.

Nineteen-year-old Dean Carney, from Leigh, was a regular visitor to AFC Leigh games.

The former Westleigh High School pupil, who worked at Sainsbury's and as a delivery driver for Balti Hut takeaway on Wigan Road, died recently after suffering leg pain.

Dean had been to his doctors surgery on Friday, May 31 and was given painkillers.

His dad, also named Dean, 49, went to check on him the following day at 5.20am and discovered that he had passed away.

An inquest has opened into his death.

To help Dean's family pay for the cost of his funeral which takes place at Howe Bridge Crematorium at 3.15pm on Monday, AFC Leigh has organised a charity football match.

Players from the match, which kicks off at 11am at Howe Bridge Leisure Centre in Atherton, will include Dean's friends and family with each participant asked to donate £5 per player.

AFC Leigh manager Stuart Carberry said: "We've decided to honour Dean as he was close to a number of people connected to the club, and as a keen supporter of all sports, we felt a football match involving friends and family would be a fitting way to pay our respects.

"We are hoping to raise enough money to help his family with the costs associated with the funeral."

Leigh Journal:

Dean carrying his nephew Cohen alongside his dad

Dean was a Manchester City football supporter and a Wigan Warriors rugby league fan who also watched Leigh Centurions play as well.

In his youth he established himself as a goalkeeper for Eastleigh Juniors F.C and Eagley Football Club in Bolton.

Dean also played rugby league for Hindley ARLFC, and went on to represent the Waggon and Horses pub in Leigh in pool.

At the game on Sunday, donations will also be accepted by supporters.

BrandSparky will be covering the cost of the pitch hire and David Jackson will be refereeing.

Players are asked to meet at 10am where football tops will be provided but there are only a limited number of shorts and socks available so people are asked to bring their own.

There will be a raffle at half time as well.

To sign up to the match complete the following poll by clicking here.

Alternatively contact Stuart on 07834 417160.

Everyone has been invited to attend Dean's funeral on Monday as well.