MORE than 70 teams and 700 young footballers turned out in force for the annual Dave Smith Memorial Tournament.

The event, organised by Great Harwood Juniors Football Club, attracted teams from across East Lancashire - and yet again it was a huge success.

Despite the poor weather, spirits could not be dampened on a day where football was the winner and Dave Smith - Great Harwood’s former president - was once again fondly remembered.

The junior tournament, once again held at Lyndon House Playing Fields, has been running since 2001, the year of Smith’s untimely death.

But it has been a celebration ever since with the Smith family still heavily involved - his wife helped out with refreshments while his grandson was playing in one of the junior Great Harwood teams.

The younger teams from under sevens to under 10s played in a ‘non competive’ tournament where every player received a medal as a momento.

The under 11s and under 12s competed in mini round robin tournaments with the top two teams in each category progressing to the final.

In the under 11s final, Brierfield Celtic beat Great Harwood 1-0 to take the honours but the roles were reversed in the under 12s, with Great Harwood beating Celtic by the same scoreline to give the host club plenty to cheer about.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones was guest of honour and handed out trophies and medals along with local councillors Miles and Bernadette Parkinson.

Mark Pickup, a Great Harwood Juniors Football Club, who helped organise the event said it was another day to remember.

“It was great to see so many teams turn up and take part,” he said. “We had teams from Blackburn to Bolton and every where in between here.

“We have held the tournament each year in memory of Dave who we all miss and something like this is what he would have loved.

“His family is still heavily involved in the club, one of his grandchildren was playing while his wife was busy helping out with refreshments.”

While the event has not run every year since 2001, the 11th tournament was as good as any of the previous 10 tournaments - and there are plans to have plenty more.

“Obviously, we would have liked to have held the tournament every year but we have missed one or two years for one reason or another,” said Pickup. “But the plan is to keep running it as everyone enjoys taking part.”

However, its success is down to the hard work of club volunteers, referees and St Johns Ambulance who all played their part.

“We had a team of 40 volunteers working hard all day to make sure everything ran smoothly,” added Pickup. “Ismail Esat provided the referees on the day and we appreciated St Johns Ambulance being on site just in case.

“Everyone worked really hard on the day, from those in the refreshments tent to thise running the teams.

“But it was worth it and I am sure Dave would have been proud of the effort everyone but in.”