THE long running and popular Graham Edwards Memorial Trophy kicks off on Sunday, July 10.

The annual tournament is based in Gobowen near Oswestry and named in memory of a promising young footballer who played for Gobowen and Weston Rhyn prior to his death of Leukaemia aged just 21 in 1974.

The tournament has been played in his memory ever since with proceeds going to Leukaemia Research.

The tournament has raised around £160,000 toward the cause over the years.

The tournament was contested by 16 teams over many teams but in more recent years has reverted to eight teams divided into two groups of four.

All matches take place at Gobowen Playing Field.

Clubs on both sides of the Welsh border use the tournament as part of their pre-season programmes.

The tournament is held in Gobowen and each year a footballing celebrity is on hand to present the silverware with the identity of this year’s guest of honour unconfirmed at the time of going to press.

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..

Gary Lineker is a past guest of honour.

Past former professionals include ex-England strikers Gary Lineker. Steve Bull and former Wrexham manager Dixie McNeil.

The first two games of this year’s competition take place on Sunday, July 10 when holders Morda United take on Ellesmere United at 12pm while TNS U19s meet The Keys, St Martins at 4pm.

On Tuesday Gobowen Celtic host Meifod at 6.30pm before St Martins do battle with Llangollen Town Reserves on Thursday, July 14 at 6.30pm.

The action continues on Friday, July 15 when Morda Utd take on TNS U19s at 6.30pm.

A Super Sunday sees Ellesmere United take on The Keys at 12pm while Meifod tackle Llangollen Town Reserves at 4pm.