FOOTBALL players from across the Bedale area competed for a special trophy set up in memory of a young player who died in a road traffic accident eight years ago.

The Will Abbotson Memorial Cup competition was set up by friends and family members of the young man, who died after a crash on December 5, 2011 at the age of 23.

Players of all ages from the White Bear public house and the Black Swan Public House in Bedale along with players from Masham Town Football Club took part in the closely fought contest, which was held at the Heck Stadium at Bedale Sports Club, where Will often played, on Sunday, August 26.

Will who lived in Carthorpe Village, near Bedale, was heavily involved in local sport, particularly football.

Following his death it was agreed the competition would be set up to celebrate Will’s life and his interest in local sport.

The idea was the cup bearing his name would be competed for by clubs he had played for throughout his life.

After attending Bedale High School, Will had played for a range of clubs including Bedale Juniors FC, Bedale Reserves, Bedale FC, Bedale Academy, Masham FC and Henley’s FC.

The winners of the competition were Masham Town Football Club. A presentation was held at the Heck Stadium with the cup being presented by Will’s mum Lynda Abbotson. The captain of Masham Town Football Club, Terry Duncan accepted the trophy on behalf of the team.