41st John Thomson football competition on this Sunday

The tournament, at Dundonald Bluebell’s Moorside Park, will be kicked-off by Provost of Fife, Jim Leishman, at noon with former Celtic stars also invited along.

The seven-a-side competition for children of primary school age from the Cardenden area, remembers John Thomson, who hailed from the village.

The Celtic goalkeeper was just 21 when he was fatally injured in an accident in an Old Firm game in September 1931.

Thomson was a highly regarded talent and had already won caps for Scotland, and thousands turned out for his funeral at Bowhill Cemetery.

Chairman of the John Thomson Tournament organising committee, Alex Burns, said: “The tournament is a little later this year to avoid clashing with Bowhill Highland Games, but we are expecting a big turn-out of teams and some cracking matches.

Cardenden Cosmos won the competition last year and were rewarded with a trip to Celtic Park. (Image: Supplied) READ MORE: Fife Council to spend £390m on housing

“Spectators will be welcomed and they can enjoy teas and coffees and catering at the ground, while the Bluebell Bar will also be open for business.”

After the competition finishes, at around 3pm, a piper will lead a parade up to Bowhill Centre where the presentation of prizes will take place, carried out by sponsors and sporting personalities.

There will be several individual awards which will be judged by members of local Celtic supporters clubs.

After the ceremony a visit will be paid to John Thomson’s grave, at the village cemetery, where wreaths will be laid. 

Tributes will also be paid at the monument to those who died in the Bowhill Colliery disaster, which occurred only a few weeks after the death of the Celtic goalie, and laments will be played by a piper.

Alex added: “This should see a great day’s football with some excellent local talent on show, and we look forward to welcoming some former Celtic stars to Moorside and Bowhill Centre.”