Hundreds of young soccer enthusiasts will turn out on August 26 to take part in a six-a-side tournament played every year in memory of a promising young sportsman who died of a rare heart condition.
Friendly rivalry will be to the fore when 800 boys and girls kick off in the 11th Dominic O’Loughlin Soccer Festival at Brighouse High School.
The event is held each August Bank Holiday in memory of 11-year-old Dominic, a member of Clifton Rangers, who died after taking part in a cross country run at Crossley Heath School, Halifax, in 1994.
His parents, Barry and Fiona O’Loughlin, who live in Elland, had no idea that he was suffering from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and have since helped to raise money for the charity CRY – Cardiac Risk in the Young – and awareness of the condition.
Dominic, a former pupil at Lightcliffe Preparation School, was a keen cricket and football fan and represented Hudddersfield at under-10 level.
His dad Barry said: “The tournament is now well-established on the local sporting scene and we are delighted with the response from junior clubs. It’s always a lot of fun and I know the clubs involved really look forward to it.”
One of the organisers Margaret Allen said: “The tournament has attracted some really positive feedback and it’s great to see so many young soccer players from Calderdale and Kirklees enjoying their sport. The atmosphere is very friendly and, thanks to the hard work and effort of the committee, there are lots of attractions for all the family.”
The tournament raises money for Clifton Rangers and the charity CRY. It is aimed at under-7s to under-14s, and there are still a few vacancies for teams in this year’s under-14s sections and they will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.
The tournament runs from 9am to 6pm and any teams interested in taking part or in finding out more information should contact Barry O’Loughlin on 01422 371080 or Margaret Allan on 01422 205339.
