Last updated at 12:25, Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Carlisle United player Peter Murphy is inviting 150 youngsters to share in his testimonial year with a special football festival in Carlisle.

Peter Murphy

The long-serving Blues defender, who is poised to sign a new deal at Brunton Park, hopes local under 7, 8 and 9 teams will join in the six-a-side tournament.

The Peter Murphy Testimonial football festival, held on the Sheepmount, will involve three groups of five teams at the three age group levels.

Up to 12 players are allowed per squad and Murphy will be on hand to sign and present certificates to all the youngsters.

The August 5 festival is the latest event to feature in the 31-year-old’s commemorative year with Carlisle and Clive Beck, who is organising the football event, asked clubs to show their interest soon to avoid disappointment. “There are 15 places and six have gone already so if any club wishes to bring a team along, we will need to know pretty soon,” he said.

“There will be no winners or losers on the day – it is just for the fun of playing.”

Entry costs £20, with all proceeds going to Murphy’s testimonial charity, the Marie Keating Foundation, a breast cancer charity.

Entry forms are available at the Sheepmount reception but interested clubs should contact Clive Beck in the first instance, on 07989090812.

Murphy is expected to extend his Carlisle career to an 11th season by agreeing a new deal before pre-season training starts on Thursday week.

The Irish centre-half is one of three players – James Berrett and Frank Simek being the other two – who have still to finalise new contracts.

Manager Greg Abbott, who is still on holiday, has verbal agreements from all three and they should put pen to paper soon.

First published at 11:29, Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk