THE memory of a talented young goalkeeper will live on through grassroots football in the town after Orford FC agreed to rename their academy.

Niall Ross, the former coach of seven-year-old Ciaran Latham-Geddes, had been searching for an academy to help set up a legacy for the bubbly youngster following his sad death in 2012.

The Winwick Bears coach said he was thrilled Orford FC agreed to change their name and that reception age youngsters who train with the club on Monday nights at the Orford Jubilee Hub will never forget Ciaran’s name.

Mark Wilson, from Orford FC, said they were delighted to help.

He added: “Orford FC is not just a club it’s a family.

“Our aim is to give children and young adults of our area a safe and nurturing environment to play sport.

“Losing a child is something no one should have to bear, if we as a club can raise awareness and help to remember a child that lost their lives doing something they loved it was our honour, that’s what families do.

“Youth is the lifeblood of this club and we would like to thanks Ciaran’s mother for letting us be involved in Ciaran’s legacy.

“We have great coaches in Ivan and Aaron who can make this venture a success and without the continued support of the Jubilee Hub, Orford FC’s primary partner, we could not have accommodated the academy at our home base. “ Mum Marika said the academy was an honour and a wonderful legacy for her ‘beautiful son’.

She added: “When I got the phone call from Niall Ross about the academy I was speechless.

“I'm so proud.

“The guys that have made the academy happen are truly amazing.

“It just shows you how many inspirational people we have in Warrington who are willing to go that extra mile to help others.

“Thank you so much.”

The Ciaran Geddes Orford FC Academy trains on Mondays from 6 to 7pm at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, Jubilee Way for reception-aged children.

The under sevens also train at the same time.