Five rugby playing sons will be honouring the memory of their father by taking part in a sevens tournament.
The Skofic brothers from Hesketh Bank, near Preston will enter as a family team in the inaugural Jonathan Skofic Sevens that will be held at the Tarleton Rugby Club.
Jonathan died suddenly in 2011 at the age of just 52. He was the former chairman of the rugby club.
Jonathan’s sons Jack, Max, Archie and George will be playing in memory of their father and they will be cheered on by mother Pat and baby sister Violet. Youngest son Frankie won’t be able to play as he isn’t eighteen yet, but he will be offering encouragement from the touchline.
“Jonathan would have loved to see all his boys turning out in the same team at Tarleton – in fact he would probably have joined them,” said a club spokesman.
“As soon as we announced we would be holding the tournament in his honour the brothers said they wanted to enter a team on behalf of the family. It’s a shame all five can’t play, but Frankie will be doing his bit on the sidelines.”
Other teams coming from Bath, Durham and Hull will be travelling to Tarleton to play.
The event organisers are hoping that it will be become an annual two-day festival in the future. They have already secured a three-year sponsorship deal the world’s largest party goods company Amscan International.
Jonathan was working as a management consultant with Amscan’s German division when he died. He had helped make Tarleton RUFC into one of the country’s most progressive clubs during his time there.
Chairman Barry Cook said: “Jonathan was a terrific servant to this club and we want his name to live on in a tournament held here every year.
“The response has been tremendous and we hope the event will be a fitting memorial to a wonderful man. The quality of the sides taking part suggests it should be a tremendous day of rugby.
“Tarleton wouldn’t be the club it is today without the energy that Jonathan put into it and we couldn’t think of a finer way to honour the man.”
If you would like more information get in touch with Tarleton RUFC chairman Barry Cook on 01704 821246.