Cardenden tournament in memory of Celtic great John Thomson

Community stalwart Alex Burns ran the John Thomson football tournament, in memory of the former Celtic and Scotland goalie who was from the village, from 1982 to 2024 when he had to step back through ill health.

Local legend Alex Burns helped to organise the John Thomson football tournament for more than 40 years. (Image: David Wardle)

But this week a new committee has announced the competition for local primary school kids will be back on Sunday September 6 at Wallsgreen Park.

James McGuinness, vice-chair of the John Thomson Memorial Committee, said: “First of all the new committee members want to thank and acknowledge the contribution made by Alex Burns MBE and his committee, who for over 40 years ran this tournament allowing thousands of youngsters in the area to compete and take part, an outstanding effort and legacy that we hope to build upon.

“For our part the new committee have been working hard behind the scenes to bring this tournament back, and we are all looking forward to seeing it return after its pause for a year or two.”

Action shots from the last John Thomson football tournament in 2024. It's now been revived by a new committee. (Image: David Wardle)

Bowhill Rovers won the last John Thomson football tournament in September 2024.

There will be a new format with the tournament featuring separate competitions for the P1 to P4 and P5 to P7 age groups.

The committee hopes that the village will once again turn out in large numbers to support the young players and help make the day a memorable occasion.

Action shots from the last John Thomson football tournament in 2024. It's now been revived by a new committee. (Image: David Wardle)

The event is being supported by local partners, with Bowhill Bowling Club providing food and refreshments throughout the day at a cost, while Bowhill Community Centre will host the trophy presentation following the conclusion of the football.

The tournament remembers the young Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper who died following an accidental clash in an Old Firm derby at Ibrox in September 1931.

A former Cardenden miner, John Thomson was just 22 when he was fatally injured in a Rangers v Celtic match in 1931. (Image: Celtic FC)

Thomson's funeral, held in the village, saw more than 10,000 mourners turn out with many coming from all over the country.

The venue for the football, Wallsgreen Park, is home of the John Thomson Memorial astro pitch and winners from previous years have enjoyed visits to Celtic Park.

James added: “The tournament has always been a fantastic community occasion, bringing young people together through football while remembering one of the village's most famous sons.

“We hope local people will come along, support the youngsters and enjoy what promises to be a great day for Bowhill."