A FOOTBALL coach who played a leading role in the development of young players will be remembered at a special match to be held in his honour.

David Tulip established the Haydon Bridge U18s team in the 1970s and helped two of the village’s youngsters on their journey into professional football. Shaun Elliott captained Sunderland and also played for Norwich City, while George Hope went on to score for Newcastle United against Manchester United.

David died on May 1 after a long battle against ill health. Now a charity football match will take place in his memory on Sunday, August 29, in Haydon Bridge.

It will raise funds for the Northern Oesophago Gastric Cancer Fund, which is part of the Newcastle Hospitals Charity, 14 years after David underwent lifesaving surgery at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) to remove a cancerous polyp from his food pipe.

The Haydon Bridge United Sunday team will take on a team put together by David’s son, Joseph. The Joseph Tulip Golden Select XI will include players from past and present with connections to both David and Joseph.

“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to do this in my dad’s memory,” said Joseph. “He always did his best for Haydon Bridge Football Club, both as a player and coach. David was committed to the development of young players and made key contacts at professional clubs who would send scouts out to watch emerging talent.

“David always believed more of his players had the potential to succeed at a higher level. He was proud of them all and hopefully we’ll see at least some of them on the day.”

A long-serving postman and all-round sportsman, David was used to overcoming adversity. After winning his cancer battle in 2007, he battled strokes from 2014 onwards and developed lung cancer in the last year of his life.

The event will be sponsored by post-match venue Haydonian Community Lounge and Bar and is supported by Top Signs.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/joseph-tulip2

Born in Prudhoe on October 22, 1935, David was the eldest son of farm worker Johnny Tulip and wife Mary. David and wife Joan married in the mid 1970s and went on to have one son, former Courant reporter Joseph Tulip.

He was a passionate supporter and player of all sports, including cricket and golf.

Sonia Graham, fundraising manager at Newcastle Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Joseph and the players on both teams for their support in raising awareness and funds for the Northern Oesophago Gastric Cancer Fund in memory of David.

“It’s thanks to generous supporters like the Tulip family that we are able to fund initiatives that help to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, their families and carers, and our colleagues.

“We would like to wish you all the best for the football match and hope all players taking part enjoy themselves.”