The Kevin Gristwood Memorial Trophy 2023
The Kevin Gristwood Memorial Trophy 2023
The Kevin Gristwood Memorial Trophy is a small-sided U18 tournament that is taking place at The FDC in Bowthorpe on Saturday 10 June 2023.
There is currently limited U18 small-sided tournament provisions locally, meaning that The Kevin Gristwood Memorial Trophy will allow players to experience the joys and excitement of a summer tournament.
The Offside Trust have been supportive of this U18 tournament, given their remit around the safeguarding and protection of young people. The Offside Trust is a national organisation set up by survivors for survivors of child sexual abuse. They are committed to supporting any survivor of child sexual abuse in sport and working to make all sports, including football, safer for children. To find out more about The Offside Trust, please click here.
Norfolk’s local Offside Trust representative, Alan Arber, was a key individual in the naming of the tournament after Kevin Gristwood. Kevin sadly passed away last year and was a long serving member of Long Stratton FC who had given a massive amount of dedication, time and love to youth football in our County.
Alan Arber of The Offside Trust said: “The Offside Trust are committed to ensuring under 18 football has its own tournament as there are not many cup competitions during the season. We believe as it’s the main level between youth and adult football that it should be supported and given its own platform to flourish as other youth tournaments do.
"The Offside Trust will be providing the match balls and trophies for the event, and we will have our full stand at the event for everyone to come and chat with us, purchase Offside Trust merchandise and find out how they can support our work via our workshops, but even more importantly take vital information on safeguarding and mental health away with them.
"I personally worked with Kevin Gristwood and was aware of his commitment, not only to Long Stratton FC, but also youth football and we at The Offside Trust felt that it was fitting to have the tournament in Kevin's name to honour his legacy and support of youth football.”
Norfolk FA’s Head of Facilities and Development, Ian Grange, added: “We are delighted to be hosting this event at our FDC centre in Bowthorpe. The tournament will enable Norfolk football to recognise the fantastic work carried out locally by The Offside Trust whilst, allowing Kevin Gristwood’s life and contribution to grassroots football to be celebrated.”
Norfolk FA’s official Trophy Supplier, 4Trophies, will be providing the trophies and medals for the event. You can find out more about 4Trophies by clicking here.
To find out more information about the Tournament, please e-mail TheFDC@NorfolkFA.com.