A FOOTBALL match will be held in memory of tragic teenager Aleysha Rothwell.

The 16-year-old was found hanged at her foster family’s home in Crossdale Road, Breightmet, on April 3.

Friends at Breightmet Wanderers have now organised at football match to be held at St Catherine’s Academy.

The under-13s and under- 14s teams will go head-to-head on Tuesday, April 29.

Ken Dolan, chairman of Breightmet Wanderers, said: “Two of our players, Marcus Makin and Alex Dolan, went to school with Aleysha and that’s why we are doing it.

“We are raising money which will go towards the costs of her funeral. All of the children have said Aleysha was nice and kept herself to herself.

“We will do a minute’s silence before kick-off and we will have an official referee who will be doing it free of charge.”

Mr Dolan said an applause might take place at the end the of the game at the pitch, off Newby Road.

He added that the club was hoping for a big turn out to support the players. Aleysha was a Year 11 pupil at St Catherine’s Academy after moving from St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School in Wigan.

Friends are also rallying around to hold a fundraising day at the Mosely Arms in Red Lane, Breightmet.

Money raised from the event will go towards the cost of a headstone for Aleysha.

Her friends have raised about £2,000 so far. The event will be held between noon and 3pm on Saturday, April 26. There will also be stalls and an Amy Winehouse tribute act.

The match will start at 6pm on April 29.