Kentish Express Ashford & District
Footballers signing on for tribute tournament
Annual event honours man killed in crash
Players will gather for an annual football tournament honouring a popular Ashford man who died in a car crash.
Fourteen teams have already signed up for the third Danyl Ponsford six-a-side tournament, which will be held at the Ashford Hockey Club, in Ball Lane, Kennington later this month.
The games will kick-off at 1pm, starting with group stages before going to knockout rounds.
It has been organised by Danyl’s dad, Gary Ponsford, and will raise funds for the Danyl Ponsford Foundation (DPF), which provides equipment and kits for schools and sports groups in Kent.
The foundation was set up in honour of Arsenal fan Danyl, who died aged 26 in a late-night car crash in Somerset Road, Ashford, in September 2013.
After his death, friends and family left football scarves, flowers, bottles of Pepsi – his favourite drink – and Arsenal shirts at the scene of the collision.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger even sent a letter to his family offering his sincere condolences.
In January this year, Junel Miah, from Ashford, was convicted of causing Danyl’s death by driving dangerously.
He was sentenced to four years in prison.
In addition to the foundation, two tournaments have already been held in memory of Danyl, who was the manager of Xpress Games in North Street, Ashford and a former Riverside Inn Reserves and Ashford Spartans six-a-side player.
A new 11-a-side football club called Lolzors was also set up, consisting of his many close friends and family.
A commemorative bench has been installed close to the scene of the crash.
This year’s tournament will be held on Sunday, September 27, and there is still time to sign up.
Mr Ponsford is particularly keen for some girls’ teams to take part.
The day will also include a bar with hot food, and face painting for children. Entry is £6 per player.
If you would like to enter a team contact Mr Ponsford on 07513676056.