The victorious St Margaret Clitherow team

An annual Thamesmead football tournament which is held in honour of a 10-year-old cancer victim was a roaring success once again.

Matthew Clarke died in 1999 and Trust Thamesmead has held the event every since to keep his memory alive.

In total 14 schools took part, with St Margaret Clitherow, of Cole Close, Greenwich, coming out on top last Thursday (14).

Every player who took part in the competition received a medal from Matthew’s mother Marcy or former Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Bob Bolder, who now works for the club’s community trust.

The trust’s Julia Hickson said: “All the schools get really up for it and the kids love it.

“They get very passionate and competitive but everyone has a good time.”

Both the tournament winners and runners were given individual trophies and St Margaret Clitherow took home the Matthew Clarke Memorial Tournament Cup.

Mr Bolder said: “This is the second time I have been involved with the tournament.

“It is a great community event held at a fantastic facility and it is good to see so many young people playing football in such a good spirit.”

Matthew played for Thamesmead Town FC under-10s and was a keen footballer throughout his short life. He went to St John Fisher School, of Kale Road, Erith

Sports development officer for the trust Dan Wells, who was involved in the organising, said: “The annual tournament really does justice to keeping the memory of Matthew Clarke alive.

“We would also like to thank Marcy, who supports the event every year as well as the school’s for participating - without them there wouldn’t be a contest.”