The family of a Letchworth teenager who died after a car crash have been honouring his memory by helping less fortunate children to play football – and their five-a-side tournament is set to take place for the third year running next month.

The Comet: Adam Harpur, James' twin brother, who is arranging the tournament.Adam Harpur, James' twin brother, who is arranging the tournament. (Image: Archant)

Adam and Laura Harpur are behind the competition in aid of the James Harpur Player Support Fund, named after their brother – Adam’s twin – who died aged 18 in 2012.

The support fund helps families from less privileged backgrounds to meet the cost of things such as training fees and match subsidies so they children can play for Letchworth Garden City Eagles FC.

“Basically we decided to try to make the best of a bad situation,” said Adam.

“Both James and I played for the Eagles from the age of six to about 15 or 16, so it’s a close to our family’s hearts.

“We work alongside the club to help the less fortunate children play – parents who can’t afford signing on fees, pitch fees for their children, that kind of thing. We tend to meet half-way with the payments.

“As far as we were aware there was no funding in place to help the Eagles out in situations where subs cannot be paid, and when my brother and I were younger there wasn’t anything available like this.”

The tournament is scheduled for Sunday, June 12, at Pixmore Playing Fields in Baldock Road, Letchworth Garden City Eagles’ home ground.

The cost of entry is £10 per player, which must be received by Sunday, June 5.

Up to 20 teams are expected to take part, with a maximum of seven in each team including substitutes.

And the Eagles aren’t the only ones set to benefit from the fundraising – enough money has been amassed that the charity may help other causes as well.

“We’ve raised enough money to branch out from just the Eagles – we’ve been in contact with Woolgrove School as well,” said Adam.

“We are looking to help them out by donating kit and sports equipment, as they haven’t had a reimbursement of new equipment and kit for quite some years.

“We’re always looking to help out the less fortunate and the people that need it the most.”

Those taking part in the tournament or watching should get to the ground by 11am for an 11.30am start – spectators are welcome, and food will be available.

To enter the tournament or find out more, email adamharpur@klmsports.com or call Laura on 07827 011919.