THE revived John Thomson Memorial Tournament drew a record turnout as players, families and supporters gathered to celebrate 'one of Cardenden's most famous sons'.
The tournament, which returned with a new format last week, attracted a record number of teams and treated spectators to a day of competitive football played in a spirit befitting the late Celtic goalkeeper.
John died following an accidental clash during a match with Rangers at Ibrox Park in September 1931, and it was fitting that many of the tournament matches were played at the impressive facility at Wallsgreen Park which bears his name.
Thankfully, the weather held out and games were played across four pitches well into the afternoon. In the end, Blue Brazil Blues emerged as worthy winners after overcoming a talented Raith Rovers Stars side in a highly competitive final.
Prior to the final, the crowd was treated to a performance from the Brother Walfrid Band, who travelled from Glasgow to take part in the day. Following the final, they led the crowd to the Bowhill Centre for the awards ceremony.
A packed hall, filled with players, coaches, families and supporters, gave the youngsters a warm reception as they collected their trophies from representatives of local Celtic Supporters Clubs and other notable community figures, including Councillor Linda Erskine and Rosemary Liewald.
As well as trophies for the competing teams, there were a number of individual awards.
In the P1-4 age group, Oliver Harvey of Kinglassie was named Most Promising Player, while Rhoan Blackadder of Burke's Blue Ballers collected the Top Scorer award.
For the P5-7s, Teddy Dunnett of Bowhill United was named Most Promising Player, Mason Blyth of Bowhill United received the Most Promising Goalkeeper award, and Cooper McLean of Blue Brasil Yellows finished as Top Scorer.
The overall honours saw Keegan Izatt of Bowhill United win Goal of the Tournament, Olivia Steklov of Kinglassie named Best Female Player, Jaxon Ahmed of Blue Brazil Blues awarded Player of the Tournament, and Lewis Johnston of Bowhill United recognised as Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
The tournament was last held in 2024, before a new committee sought to bring it back this year.
Chair of the John Thomson Memorial Committee (JTMC), James McGuinness, was delighted with how the day went.
He said: "The tournament went as well as we could've expected, and the committee were really pleased to see the crowds turn out for the return of this much-loved community event.
"We had to change the format to ensure we had enough teams competing on the day, but I think the event proved this was the right decision.
"We thank all players and coaches for their participation, and our partners Fife Council, FSLT, Bowhill Bowling Club, Bowhill Centre Management Committee and Elaine Wilson Flowers for all of their support behind the scenes.
"A special thanks also goes to the Brother Walfrid Band for coming through from Glasgow and adding something different to the event as well.
"The JTMC will be meeting again soon and we will review how the event went and look to improve things for next year."
The day ended with a wreath-laying ceremony at Bowhill Cemetery, where a number of wreaths were placed at the grave of John Thomson as well as at the memorial to the Bowhill Pit Disaster.
Local minister Rev Donald Lawrie delivered a short address during the ceremony and the Brother Walfrid Band played their John Thomson tune at the graveside.
Mr McGuinness added: "A fitting end to a wonderful day of sport and the community remembering one of Cardenden's most famous sons."
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