A HOST of stars - including former Manchester United captain - Bryan Robson - will turn out this month in a charity football match in memory of a little boy from Bowdon Vale.

TV and former football stars will be running out at Altrincham's J. Davidson Stadium at Moss Lane on April 24, eight months after 10-year-old Isaac Maley died, after suffering a severe asthma attack.

  • Former Bowdon Church School Isaac was a keen football player and so his parents and friends have organised the fundraising day - called 'There's Only One Isaac Maley' - as a tribute to him.

Funds from the celebrity match and fun day will go to the charity 'Once Upon a Smile', which has helped to support Isaac's parents, Vicky and Andrew.

Dad Andrew, a former Altrincham player in the 1990s, will line up with former United and England captain Bryan Robson, former United and Eire player Denis Irwin and former Manchester City player Paul Dickov, as well as other dads whose children played with Isaac for Altrincham Tigers.

One of the organisers of the event, family friend Andrew Brannan, said: "Isaac was the happiest lad you would ever meet.

"You can't believe the amount of joy he brought to everyone.

He said of the 'There's Only One Isaac Maley' day: "We thought that this would be a great tribute to Isaac and also an opportunity to raise funds for 'Once Upon a Smile', which has been an amazing support for Andrew and Vicky."

Andrew - whose son Louie, 10, played with Isaac for Altrincham Tigers - added: "Altrincham FC has been fantastic in its response to us. It is a real community club - nothing has been a problem while we have been organising this event."

Andrew's team will line up against a celebrity team that includes actor Ralf Little, Emmerdale stars Anthony Quinlan , Jake Quickenden from the X Factor and Nico Mirallegro, from the TV series 'My Mad Fat Diary'.

The day on April 24 will kick off at 12 noon with a junior match between Altrincham Tigers and Bowdon C of E. The celebrity match kicks off at 2pm.

Tickets are £2 for adults and £1 for children. They are available at www.onceuponasmile.org.uk/isaac/

People can also pay on the day but organisers advise payment in advance.