Let’s play for owen
Shaw family’s gesture for late son
the family and friends of a budding footballer who passed away last year are set to hold a charity football tournament in his memory.
owen shaw (6) died suddenly in January 2016 and now Bathgate thistle 2009s and his parents, gordon and Karen, have organised the fundraising event which will take place on June 4.
proceeds from the match will go to owen’s former team and Edinburgh sick Kids hospital who looked after him.
Dad gordon said: “It was an idea we came up with last year to try and keep owen’s name going.
“It was a last minute thing and it turned out well, so I would like to get as many people there as possible this year.”
The family and teammates of a six-year-old boy who sadly passed away last year will hold a charity football tournament in his honour.
Owen Shaw died suddenly in January 2016 and now his teammates and coaches at Bathgate Thistle 2009s along with his parents Gordon and Karen have organised the tournament to carry on his legacy.
All proceeds from the match will go towards football-loving Owen’s former team and Edinburgh Sick Kids who looked after Owen.
Gordon Shaw, Owen’s dad, said: “Owen passed away in January last year. He was only six but he loved football and he loved playing for Bathgate. “We want to raise as much money as we can for his wee football team and as much as we can for the Edinburgh Sick Kids because that’s where he sadly passed away and they did everything to keep him alive — and even attended his funeral.” This will be the second year that the tournament is held after a more intimate match was played last year shortly after Owen’s passing. Gordon said: “It was a thing that we came up with last year to try and keep Owen’s name going. It turned out well, so I would like to get as many there as possible this year.”
Owen’s mum, Karen, paid tribute to her son saying he dreamed of being a footballer like Lionel Messi.
Karen said: “He was a smiley, happy wee boy. He loved his family and always had plenty of hugs and cuddles to go about. He always liked to make sure everyone was okay and happy, he never liked to see anyone sad — such a caring wee soul.
“Owen loved outdoors — as soon as he was up, he wanted out and always had a football in his hand. He loved it when he started playing with his wee team at Bathgate Thistle 2009s.
“It was Owen’s dream, to become a footballer just like Messi, his hero.”
The tournament for Owen will be played at Creamery Park on Sunday, June 4, from 2pm and will include kids teams from Bathgate, Blackburn, Broxburn, Armadale and Murieston.
Bruce Thompson, Owen’s coach at Bathgate Thistle said he hoped the community would come out and support the tournament for the talented young player.
He said: “We were only a few months away from starting fun fours when it happened. Owen was really up for it and was one of the most promising kids.
“We were all devastated and I can’t imagine how the family felt. Any support from the local community will be great. If anyone wants to come and watch we’ll have a raffle and a few other things as well.”