Lowery’s Lads are back to raise money in Brad’s name - and this time it’s international.

Blackhall Colliery Black Cat fan Bradley touched the hearts of the nation with his battle against neuroblastoma, which claimed his life in July 2017. But the six-year-old’s legacy lives on in the countless fundraising he’s inspired.

Black Cats of Italy, left, are taking on Lowery's Lads, right | Submitted

placeholder image — Black Cats of Italy, left, are taking on Lowery's Lads, right | Submitted

One of them is the annual Bradley Lowery Cup, which raises thousands of pounds for good causes in Bradley’s name.

This year will be the tenth year of the cup and it sees a duo of matches - including the final Bradley Lowery annual game.

First up, the lads will take on the Black Cats of Italy supporters group who will be making the journey over to compete on Sunday, April 12.

Kick off is at 11am, at Sunderland RCA in Meadow Park, Ryhope, raising funds for The Bradley Lowery Foundation and Red Sky Foundation.

Co-organiser Joel Walker said: “We've tried for years to welcome over the Italian Mackems for a game, but the stars were never aligned...until NOW!”

The lads have been raising money in Brad’s name for ten years | Sunderland Echo

Sergio Petrucci from Red Sky will also be making an appearance for the Black Cats of Italy.

Joel added: “The Italian Mackems are over for the Sunderland match the day before for international fan weekend.

“They are looking at bringing around 40 to 50 fans from Italy for the Sunderland game, then our match kicks off at 11am on the 12th - it should be a great weekend with a brilliant atmosphere.”

It will be the first of two matches for the lads this year, with the second being the final Bradley Lowery Cup game.

Joel added: “Since the first game at Fence Houses in 2016 we have raised over £25,000 for the Bradley Lowery Foundation and other charities.”

More details on the second match will be announced closer to the time.