CONVERSATIONS around mental health are at the heart of a competition launched by the Cumberland FA, in memory of a former Workington Reds Ladies player who tragically died last year.

The Andrea Buggy Trophy, launched by the Cumberland FA and supported by Every Life Matters will see Cumbrian grassroots football clubs play the beautiful game in memory of the late 39-year-old Workington Reds Ladies player and Cumbria Police officer.

Across Cumbria, there will be 20 teams playing in three divisions. The Cumberland County League teams have been separated into, the East division, West Division One and West Division Two. Each mini-league will compete for the Andrea Buggy Trophy.

In addition, the Cumberland FA Women’s League will be re-titled the Andrea Buggy Women’s League. Women’s football was a deeply held passion of Andrea, of Workington who along with Workington Reds Ladies, played for Windscale and Allerdale Wildcats in her time.

But ultimately the Cumberland FA and Every Life Matters aim is to raise awareness of the issue of mental health.

David Buggy, Andrea’s husband said: “We’re really pleased about it. It’s really nice of them because football was a big part of her life.

“I think more needs to be done at a local and national level. I don’t think there’s enough in place for people who are suffering like Andrea suffered.”

Mr Buggy said: “The more that can be done to raise awareness of Andrea’s situation and the situation of others like her the better.”

Fred Conway, chairman of Cumberland FA and the County League said: “Her husband David is a referee and therefore well known around the grassroots game. We were all shocked and saddened when we learnt of Andrea’s passing last year.

He said: “We want to pay our respects and hopefully, in some small way, support her family and loved ones by honouring her memory, her life and her love of the game.”

Cumberland FA, which is sponsoring the competition, will be donating to Every Life Matters, and raising awareness of the mental health charity’s work.

Mr Conway said: “As an organisation we are acutely aware that suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 and that women are roughly, three times more likely to attempt suicide.”