Hundred of footballers competed for honours in memory of a young player.
More than 800 youngsters turned out to compete in the 11th Dominic O’Loughlin Six-a-side Soccer Festival at Brighouse High School.
The event is held each August Bank Holiday in memory of 11-year-old Dominic who was captain of Clifton Rangers under 11’s team.
Dominic 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 Eland, 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.
In the tournament’s programme on Saturday, Barry told competitors:
“Dominic was an enthusiastic and skilful footballer who always showed good sportsmanship. Please ensure that these qualities prevail and that everybody has an enjoyable day.”
He said the event was well supported and continued the success set by previous years.
“It was a good day with good weather but always one of mixed emotions being here at the tournament,” he said.
“It has always been big and it has certainly maintained is popularity. We have had different teams introduced and when they have grown up other teams have come in. We have never had a problem replacing teams.”
Monies raised are not exclusively for CRY and Mr O’Loughlin is keen to express that part of the money will be donated to Clifton Rangers Football Club – the club his son loved to play for.
Clifton Rangers chairman, Terry Gill, said the money would be used to buy new equipment.
“Dominic was a good footballer and the day was a huge success. The costs of running a junior club are constantly increasing and the money helps us to meet some of those costs,” said Mr Gill.
Organiser Margaret Allen, who is membership secretary of Clifton Rangers, said they hoped to raise in the region of £1,000.
“We were pleased that so many teams turned out, including those from further afield,” she said.
“We are hoping for another good year and I would like to say a big thank you to all the mums and dads and referees who gave their time over the weekend to help.”
This year’s event was dedicated entirely to football with refreshments being served from the field. Youngsters were able to buy pictures of themselves in action on the day.
Margaret said the event was also aimed at increasing awareness of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, with the tournament’s programme listing signs to look out for.
“It’s for a really important cause. Most people don’t know their children could be affected until it happens,” she said.
