Junior football stars heading to Glasgow for 'Legends' tournament

FAMOUS faces from the world of Scottish junior football are coming together in Govan next month to support a city charity tackling prejudice and bigotry.

Hosted by Benburb FC, the Legends seven-a-side tournament boasts former players from leading junior clubs such as fellow Govan team St Anthony’s; Arthurlie, from Barrhead; and Ayrshire clubs Beith and Largs.

The event will raise money for Nil by Mouth’s United Against Division programme which works in schools across west central Scotland to help young people understand the impact of sectarianism on society.

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The winners of the competition, which takes place on June 8 at New Tinto Park, take home the Alex Gourlay Cup, named in honour of a much loved figure in the world of junior football.

Over the past 12 months, Nil by Mouth, which was set up by former Glasgow Times Scotswoman of the Year Cara Henderson after the brutal sectarian murder of her school friend Mark Scott, has delivered the United Against Division project in more than 100 schools across Scotland.

Since its inception, the charity has worked with tens of thousands of people in schools, workplaces and communities.

Legends organiser and lifelong Arthurlie fan Robert Burns said: “Part of the reason so many people are drawn to junior football is the connection between the clubs and the community they are based in.

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“That’s why we want to use the event to promote the work Nil by Mouth does in these areas. This will be the 15th Legends event and we always get a great turn-out from supporters and players keen to see old friends and renew old rivalries.

“I hope as many people as possible get themselves down to Benburb and see some of the real Legends of the junior game strut their stuff.”

Nil by Mouth Director Dave Scott said: “We are indebted to the hard work of Robert and the other volunteers for putting this event together in support of our work.

“Huge thanks must go to Benburb who are providing the facility at no cost and always make visitors very welcome.

"It’s a smashing set up at New Tinto Park and it’s a proper family day out with children provided entry free of charge.

“In previous years, this event has raised thousands of pounds to support our work in schools and it is a reminder that while there are big personalities in junior football there are even bigger hearts.”

He added: “It’s fair to say we receive a lot of complaints about the behaviour of football fans but it should also be remembered that there are so many more who go the extra mile to support good causes and events that bring people together.”