Stoneyburn Junior Football Club are hosting a memorial tournament next month in memory of Steven Macmillan - a former secretary of Stoneyburn and pillar of the community who passed away suddenly in August of last year.
The two-day tournament will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24, at Stoneyburn’s home ground, Beechwood Park, to honour the memory of the dad-of-four.
The Macmillan family were, and continue to be, heavily involved in the running of Stoneyburn Junior Football Club with Steven’s brother, David Macmillan, still sitting as a chair on the committee and his father, also David, who remains as president of the club.
Styled as a football festival-type event, the tournament is sponsored by long-time friend of Steven Macmillan – Andy Johnstone, who put up the trophy for the tournament.
Steven was a well-loved figure in the local football community – creating close and lasting ties within Stoneyburn and other teams in the East of Scotland Football League.
Stoneyburn will be joined by Livingston United Football Club, Harthill Royal Community Football Club and Armadale Thistle at the tournament.
Steven Sharp, Stoneyburn Juniors FCs manager, said:“Following a very difficult period for both the club and Steven’s family, it’s a real honour for us to be able to put on this memorial tournament.
“It’s about keeping Steven’s legacy alive, he was a phenomenal man who did a huge amount of work for both the club and the community. I just hope we can put on a fitting tribute for him and his family.
“I’m looking forward to the tournament. Given Steven’s popularity I imagine it’ll be a busy weekend for people to come and share funny stories and great memories .
“No doubt it’ll be emotional as well – every player or committee member that walks through the gate at Beechwood Park still expects to see Steven on a daily basis, I know I do.
“I still think about football and the club and want to phone him, and then remember he’s no longer with us.
“Steven was fantastic to work with, he was an amazing secretary and he was an even better friend – which is difficult to find.
“The squad are very much looking forward to it. There’s no denying it’ll be an emotional weekend for us but they’re going into it with a good attitude, wanting to bring the trophy home to Stoneyburn for our secretary and make Steven proud.
“Above all else I hope it’s a good day for his family, for his wife Lynn, his kids Emma, Sarah, Alex, and David, his mum, his dad, brothers and sister, and the rest of his family. I want everyone to remember Steven for what he loved, and remember all the good memories.”
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