IT is with deep regret that the John Thomson Memorial Committee have made the decision to cancel this year's annual children's football tournament in Cardenden.

The tournament, which was due to be held on Sunday September 6 within Moorside Park, home to Dundonald Bluebell, was cancelled by the John Thomson Memorial Committee at the end of last week.

Due to ongoing Health and Safety concerns surrounding Covid-19, the committee agreed that because of the current restrictions that are in place it would not possible to make the appropriate arrangements that are required to host the event which sees the best part of 100 youngsters take part in the competition.

This isn't a decision that was taken likely and it is with a heavy heart that the committee have concluded that this is the safest option available to them at this time. It is the first time in 37 years that it has not taken place to remember the Prince of Goalkeepers, John Thomson, the Cardenden man who played for Celtic and Scotland and died after injuries sustained in an accidental challenge in an Old Firm derby at Ibrox Park in 1931.

Chairman Alex Burns, who started the event in the 1980s, said: "Despite the tournament running for the past 36 years, and volunteers and committee members often being met with potential waterlogged pitch 'disasters' hours before kick-off..this often provided them with the dilemma of having to cancel the event at short notice, but they were always able to pull together and make the pitch playable in time for the start of the tournament.

"So it is in the interest of public safety, and well being, that due to the current Covid 19 outbreak, the tournament will need to be cancelled until 2021".

On a final note Alex and the committee would like to thank the local community for their continued support over the last 36 years, and also Dundonald Bluebell, who have provided them with excellent playing facilities and warm hospitality.

The tournament will be back next year, which the committee are already making plans for.