A charity game in memory of Graham McGuigan will be contested between Warriors FC and Newark Fire Station
A feast of football is planned in memory of a stalwart coach and firefighter.
The Graham McGuigan Trophy will be contested by a side from Warriors FC, the youth team that Graham coached, and Newark Fire Station, where he was a popular and long-serving member.
Graham’s life was commemorated through football, one of his passions, last year following his death at the age of 44.
This year’s match takes place at Flowserve, Lowfields, Balderton, at 9.30am on Saturday, May 25, starting with junior football.
Ten sides vying to win the junior version of a shield — Warriors, Market Warsop, RHP, Robin Hood Colts, Hosiery Mills, Southwell City, Chesterfield Academy, and Keyworth United, who are fielding three teams.
The main event — Warriors versus Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service — kicks off at 1.30pm.
Graham has three sons — Sully will captain the Warriors team, Brady will play in the youth tournament, and Jed will be refereeing in that tournament.
Alongside the football will be a family-friendly social day with a tombola and raffle, bar and refreshments. There will also be inflatables courtesy of Bounceabout.
A fire appliance from Newark will also be there on the day, subject to call-outs.
It will raise money the Firefighters Charity and the Children’s Bereavement Centre, Newark, both of whom will have stalls at the event.
Warriors skipper, and friend of Graham, Matt Ridyard said: “We want as many people as possible to turn out and support us, just as they did last year.
“It’s important for both for Graham’s memory and the two charities being supported that we do.”
Fire service team manager Darren Charters said: “The game will be played in good spirits but competitively — no one plays football to lose.”
Entry is via donation and there will be collection buckets.
Graham was on Blue Watch at Newark Fire Station for his 20-year career with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, and was a youth team coach at Warriors FC.
A suite at the the new fire station on Boundary Road has been named after him.