THE Blackburn Sunday Football League will honour its former secretary by renaming its Charity Trophy in his memory.

The annual fund-raising season opener - traditionally between the league champions and Blue and White Rosebowl winners - will now be renamed the John Haydock Memorial Trophy.

League officials agreed it was a fitting tribute to a man who served the Blackburn Sunday League in many different rolls spanning 45 years.

John sadly passed away in May after losing his battle against illness.

"I know for a fact John probably wouldn't have approved with what we are doing," said fixture secretary Bill Maynard. " He would not have wanted all the fuss.

"But as a league, we agreed it was a fitting tribute to a man who did so much us over many, many years.

"He was a big supporter of the Charity Trophy so it is a wonderful way to remember him and change the name of the event in his memory."

Soon after the league was founded in 1970, Haydock became the leagues fixture secretary this was a position he was to hold for 40 years. In 2001, he also took over the role of league secretary in a year where he was honoured by the Lancashire Football Association when he received the 30 year order of merit award.

John became president of the league in 2011 for 12 moths before becoming a life member a year later.

"Grassroots football lost a great ambassador when John sadly passed away," added Maynard.

"He was well known and well respected by everybody who came into contact with him and the football world lost a great character and a man who was very passionate about the amateur game.

"His knowledge of statistics for the league was quite outstanding, and he could always be relied on to provide information on almost anything to do with Blackburn Sunday football league.

"For many years John was always the first down at Pleasington playing fields on a Sunday morning to check out the condition of the pitches even to the extent of obtaining a water pump to clear away excess water on the pitches virtually from first light."

The first John Haydock Memorial Trophy will take place on Sunday, August 30 (ko 10.30am) at Griffin Park when Rosebowl winners Clifton take on beaten finalists who take the place of league champions New Gardeners who have left the league.

Proceeds from the event will go to Rhyddings Church in Oswaldtwistle, a church were John Haydock was heavily involved.

Maynard is hoping for a big turn out to support the cause.

"Last year the charity trophy raised £450 and we hope that this year’s event can be as successful for what is without doubt a very worthy charity and that all clubs please give your support to John’ memory," said Maynard.

The league is appealing for donations towards prizes for a large raffle which will be prior to the game and on the day, and would be very grateful for the help of all clubs and local businesses in this matter.

Should any individuals or business know of anybody who would like to donate a prize please contact Bill Maynard, Tel; 07813733595 or email bilsan@hotmail.co.uk.