A new football team formed in memory of a little girl who died from a heart condition kicked off its first game last weekend.

Darcy United was set up in tribute to Darcy, who lived in Malton, with her parents Emily and Kristian D’Rosario, and died on January 24 2019.

The six-year-old, who was born with a serious heart condition, was due to undergo an operation at Leeds General Infirmary when an infection went to her heart.

She passed away on January 24 2019.

Darcy’s family have since gone on to raise much-needed funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice in Wetherby including the annual Darcy Cup.

Their aim is for Darcy United to play regular matches across the country.

Kristian said for their first game they took on Supporting Charities FC, a team comprising of football fans, celebrities s and former professional footballers all playing to raise funds for charities."

We held the match at Malton Sports Centre, and the team compromised of local "friends and family.

Each player has supported us in someway since Darcy died, and it was really special to share the pitch together, along with everyone who came down to cheer us on.

With the help from Darcy United players, and our opponents, we raised a fantastic £175.

"We are looking to play regularly against other charity teams, and we will also hold our annual Darcy Cup event and family fun days in addition to this team too.

"Everyone played brilliantly, but a special mention must go to our goal scorers; James Kavanagh, Gary Adamson and Adam Stockell, who bagged a hattrick and our ‘Man of the Match’ award."

Kristian said Darcy Utd was sponsored by his employee, delivery service YDL. who had been helping with the fundraising.

"My colleagues at YDL heard about this new idea of ours and happily volunteered to sponsor our team kit.

"YDL have been inspired by Darcy’s story and have joined in with our fundraising efforts. They proudly display the Martin House logo on one of their wagons, and have held bake sales and Christmas Jumper Days."

This Saturday , a team of YDL employees, including Kristian will be undertaking the Yorkshire Three Peaks, all in aid of Martin House.

The aim is to cross the summit of all three peaks and complete a 24 mile walk in under 12 hours.

Kristian said: "The cost's for running such places like Martin House is around £28,000 per day, so truly every penny counts. Any donation little or large is gratefully received and goes towards helping so many.

"Living without Darcy is so incredibly hard, but we are trying to turn our pain into something positive. We know how much places like Martin House rely on the fundraising efforts of their supporters, so we will continue to help in any way we can."

To sponsor the team go to justgiving.com/yankeedarcylima