Local rivalries will come to the fore once again after Morecambe FC and Lancaster City FC have confirmed today that a pre-season fixture will be held on July 15 at the Globe Arena.
The game is set to be an important part of both sides' pre season preparations but will also be used as a charity and family fun day sponsored by The Bay Radio.
Bill Johnson, Managing Director of The Bay, said: "The game will be played for 'The Bay Trophy' so it will be a competitive fixture. But it will be a lot more than just a football match as the day will raise money through and for the local community. It will be a fun event for the whole family with live music, children's entertainment and lots more.''
One of the beneficiaries from the inaugural 'Bay Trophy' will be the Neil Marshall Memorial Fund, which was set up to support the former Dolly Blues captain's family following his sad passing last year. The event will also raise vital cash for local charity Unique Kidz and Co.
It's hoped that 'The Bay Trophy' will become an annual contest and fundraiser with the fixture being rotated between Giant Axe and the Globe Arena.
The Bay will also be running a competition to find two pairs of local children to represent each team as official mascots on the day. More information on this and other news will be announced by The Bay Radio on air and online soon.
Morecambe FC Director, Rod Taylor, said: "We held an event at the club to raise money for the Neil Marshall memorial Fund earlier this year and supporters from both sides came together for an excellent evening. It made us think how we could look to come together again and a pre season friendly seemed an excellent way of doing this.
"We are also keen to put something back into the community because last year was a difficult year for us and people really came out and showed their support for the club and we want to repay them for that backing.
"It will be a good game for both clubs and one that we hope will bring the community together for an excellent cause at the same time.''
Chief Executive of Lancaster City FC, Lawrence Looney, added: "We are delighted that we have been able to agree the friendly. This is a game that will be enjoyed by the whole community and to do it in memory for Neil Marshall will make it a perfect day. Thank you once again to The Bay for their support. We are all looking forward to it. "
Tickets will be a flat £5 per person for all adults with under 16s free. The game will kick off at 3pm. All the latest event information will be available on air with The Bay Radio and online via www.thebay.co.uk