Sunday 23rd November 2014 saw teams travel from across central Scotland for Drumchapel United’s first ever charity tournament. The event was held to raise funds and awareness for the Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal (SiMBA).

The hosts from the West Region welcomed teams at the 2008 and 2007 age groups for a morning of fun fours. This was followed by soccer sevens action for 2006 and 2005 teams. Hosts Drumchapel United and neighbours Drumchapel Amateurs were out in force – providing several teams at each age group. Other clubs represented included Antonine and Dumbarton Riverside of Dunbartonshire; Blantyre Soccer Academy, Celtic BC and Holytown Colts of Lanarkshire; and Crieff Juniors, Auchterarder and Jeanfield Swifts of Perthshire. Fifty-six teams attended the event in total.

Matches were played out with excellent sportsmanship from all teams and no shortage of skill and flair on show from the young players involved. Teams relished the chance to test themselves against new opposition from other parts of the country.

SiMBA’s Sara Fitzimmons was in attendance to present medals to every player, kindly donated by local sports store Only Sport. Off the pitch there was a bustling gym hall of stalls, inflatables and other entertainment for the rest of the family.

Organiser David Smith said: “It’s the first event of its kind that we’ve ran and we’ve been delighted at the response. Teams have come from far and wide, played excellent football and donated generously to the cause.”

The charity element was also a huge success, with £1600 being raised for the cause. Sara Fitzsimmons, Executive Director of SiMBA, said: “It has been a great event for our charity to be a part of. It has raised funds and created awareness.

"I have also had the opportunity to meet a number of parents who can relate to the cause personally and now know about how we can help.”

For more information on SiMBA, visit simbacharity.org.uk.