Inaugural memorial cup honours Lanarkshire youth football legend

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A community stalwart who dedicated his life to grassroots football in Lanarkshire and beyond has been honoured at a youth football tournament established in his memory.The inaugural John Mitchell Memorial Cup honours the life of long-standing Scottish Youth Football Association (SYFA) volunteer John Mitchell who sadly passed away from heart failure in August 2018, aged 88.John spent a lifetime in football, excelling in a multitude of roles.

The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Remembering the local legend, John’s daughter Gail Dennett said: "He absolutely loved football throughout his life and enjoyed being part of it from the moment my brother Ross started playing for Kirktonholme Swifts."He made some lifelong friends through his voluntary work with the SAFA and SYFA.

This trophy is a tribute to his memory and his commitment to encourage the next generation of players to enjoy the game."Starting out as a player for Giffnock North in his younger days, he then became involved in running his son Ross' youth team, Kirktonholme Boys Club, and went on to become the secretary for the East Kilbride Boys' League.His fantastic work with the league came to the attention of Scottish Amateur Football Association (SAFA) and he began serving on their Executive Committee until 1999.