Cross-community football tournament a lasting legacy to Belfast man
The Michael Morrison Foundation tournament runs throughout the month of August
A cross-community football tournament that brings hundreds of kids together during the month of August is proving a lasting legacy to a Belfast man who was killed during the Troubles.
The Michael Morrison Foundation festival attracts teams, players and families from throughout Northern Ireland to compete and forge lasting friendships.
The hugely popular event has grown into a major summer attraction every year, with games held across five different venues in North and West Belfast.
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The tournament was the idea of community representatives who set out to do something positive in the aftermath of the 1993 Shankill bomb, which killed nine people. The foundation was set up as a lasting legacy to Belfast footballer Michael Morrison who was 27 when he, his partner Evelyn Baird, and their seven-year-old daughter Michelle, died in the IRA attack.
Co-founder Marcus Morrison, Michael's brother, said: "The tournament has grown from strength to strength over the years and we now welcome hundreds of kids who come together every summer.
"We held our opening ceremony and parade last Friday night which was attended by 500 kids. Some of them travelled from as far away as Derry/Londonderry, Antrim, Lisburn, Magherafelt and Mid Ulster.
"The parade is always a real highlight of the event. It made its way from Springfield Dam to Paisley Park SportsPlex where everyone enjoyed a night of fun, with bouncy castles, stalls, face painters, hot food vendors, freestyle football and more.
"We also held a night of live amateur boxing with 15 fights taking place.. Clubs from across Belfast, Dungannon, Markethill and Rathcoole had fighters taking part."
Last Sunday saw the football festival kick-off across three venues, with an incredible 650 children taking part.
"Some of the young players have really impressed. There was one young goalkeeper for Cliftonville's 2012s team who was amazing. She saved a number of penalties in semi-final to get them through to final then again saved more penalties in the final to win the cup," Marcus added.
"It has been brilliant to see so many kids playing football and enjoying themselves."
Reflecting on the success of the tournament, Marcus said: "We are really proud at how much the event has grown. It has been a big success, and it takes a lot of organising.
"We are grateful to our sponsors and always on the lookout for new ones. It can be difficult getting sponsors but all the hard work and effort everyone puts in is worth it."
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