A long-running popular local charity football tournament based in Gobowen which raises money for Leukaemia Research makes a welcome return when this year's competition begins on Sunday, July 11.

The Graham Edwards Memorial Trophy is named in memory of a promising young footballer from Gobowen who played for Gobowen and Weston Rhyn, who sadly died of Leukaemia aged just 21 in 1974. The tournament was set up the following year and the impressive trophy was paid for with £100 raised at a dance.

It is one of the longest running charity tournaments in the country and a sign of its longevity is that sons and even grandsons of players who played in the first tournament all those years ago have played in the tournament in recent years.

This year eight clubs have been split into two groups of four to play each other once on a league basis with the top two teams in each group qualifying for the knockout semi finals with the final being played on the first Sunday in August.

Although the ultimate aim is raising as much money as possible for Leukaemia Research, it is officially recognised by the Shropshire FA and is used by clubs as a good guide to their pre-season build up to their local leagues.

The tournament had always been held at Gobowen Playing Field but in 2007, the committee made the decision to switch to Park Hall near Oswestry.

However, the tournament returned to its original home in Gobowen in 2014 by popular demand.

Media officer David Figg said: "Although a committee is obviously in place, we are still in need of volunteers to either join the committee or help out on matchdays. Anyone who can help will be made very welcome.

Border Counties Advertizer: The final of the Graham Edwards Trophy at Gobowen Playing Fields. Gary Lineker presented the trophy to the winning team and signed autographs for the large crowd who attended..

Ex-England star at a past Graham Edwards Trophy final.

"We would like to appeal to supporters old and new to come down and show their support.

"When the tournament first began, the survival rate for Leukaemia was around 20 per cent but with all the advances that have been made over the years, that figure has gone up to around 87 per cent. However, more money is still needed to increase that figure even higher."

One feature of the grand final is that the trophy has always been presented by a footballing celebrity and over the years with Steve Sutton, Duncan McKenzie, Steve Bull, Dixie McNeill and Gary Lineker among those to make the presentation

One of the conditions of entry for each team is that during the tournament, they are required to sell a minimum of 50 books of tickets, which raises an additional £400.

The committee would like to thank in advance anyone who has kindly donated any of the prizes but we would appeal to any individuals or businesses to donate prizes with any donations gratefully received.

The opening 2 games of this year's competition take place on Sunday, July 11 with holders Chirk Town v The New Saints U19 at 12.00 midday and St Martins v The Keys at 3.00pm (both in Group A).

Then on Tuesday, July 14, it's Four Crosses v Gobowen Celtic (kick off 6.30pm) before Ellesmere United v Morda United takes place on Wednesday, July 15 (6.30pm), both in Group B.

A busy first week continues on Thursday, July 15 with Chirk Town v St Martins in Group A (6.30pm) and The New Saints Under 19 v The Keys (Group A) on Friday 16th July (6.30pm).