YOUNG footballers from across the district joined together to compete for the Richard PC Nixon Memorial Cup.

Popular Haltwhistle man Richard, who was known as PC, was a talented footballer and a former pupil of Haydon Bridge High School.

Following his death in a car crash back in October 2005, at the age of just 22, the tournament has kept his memory alive within junior football circles.

The annual Tynedale Mini Soccer League five-a-side tournament took place over three consecutive Sundays at Hexham’s Wentworth Centre.

The first round for U10 players featured teams from Allendale, Haydon Bridge, Kingston Park, Stocksfield, Prudhoe, and Throckley.

The Allendale Lions’ B team were U10 winners, and received the Richard PC Nixon Memorial Cup. They scored more points than runners-up Kingston Park Pumas, who took the President’s Plate.

On the same day, U7 players from Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Kingston Park, Prudhoe, and Stocksfield held their age group competition, and were rewarded with a medal each for their efforts, determination, and overall contribution to the event.

Round two saw teams 14 teams from Allendale, Corbridge, Haydon Bridge, Heddon-on-the-Wall, Hexham, Kingston Park, Prudhoe, Stocksfield, and Throckley take part in the U8 tournament.

There was a lot of impressive football played in a great atmosphere, before the players received their well-deserved medals.

Round three, for U9 teams, included teams from Corbridge, Haydon Bridge, Hexham, Kingston Park, Prudhoe, Throckley, and Wark.

Haydon Bridge were the winners after a 1-0 victory in the final, with Prudhoe Blues the runners-up.

A spokeswoman for the Tynedale Mini Soccer League said: “We would like to thank the Wentworth Staff for hosting the event, referees and coaches for helping it run smoothly, and most of all all of the players for making it a success once again.”