Kentish Express Ashford & District
Teams together to remember Danyl
Nearly 100 footballers took part in an annual charity tournament honouring a popular Ashford man.
Danyl Ponsford died in a car crash two years ago. His friends and family have vowed to hold a six-a-side football tournament every year in his memory.
On Sunday, 14 teams gathered for the tournament at Ashford Hockey Club in Ball Lane, Kennington.
But it was the Willesborough team who took the trophy home, beating the Drunken Monkeys in the final.
Spectators enjoyed hot food and the bar while youngsters could have their faces painted and play on a bouncy castle.
They raised about £750 for the Danyl Ponsford Foundation (DPF), which provides equipment for schools and sports groups in Kent.
It was set up in memory of the Arsenal fan who died in 2013, aged 26, in a late-night car crash in Somerset Road, Ashford.
The tournament was the third held for the keen footballer and dad Gary Ponsford said it will be held every year.
He said: “We do hope to carry on with the event and it will be even bigger next year.
“It’s a celebration of Danyl’s life, he loved football and sport so it’s great to remember him this way.
“Most of the players knew him or had played football with or against him, which is brilliant.
“Obviously the event is emotional but I see it as a positive thing that all these players come together.”
In January Junel Miah, from Ashford, was convicted of causing Danyl’s death by driving dangerously and was jailed for four years.
Danyl 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 in his memory, consisting of his many close friends and family.