ALWAYS SMILING: Matthew Elliott.

HUNDREDS of people gathered on Monday for a football tournament in memory of Huntingdon teenager Matthew Elliott, who died in a motorbike accident.

HUNDREDS of people gathered on Monday for a football tournament in memory of Huntingdon teenager Matthew Elliott, who died in a motorbike accident.

The Matthew Elliott Memorial Cup was contested between his two former teams, Huntingdon Rowdies and Brampton Spartans, and teams made up of his friends from Hinchingbrooke School and former colleagues from Sainsbury’s.

It is hoped the match will become an annual event to remember Matthew, 17, of Brecon Way, Huntingdon. He died on Saturday, July 24, just three days after getting his motorbike licence.

Huntingdon Rowdies were awarded the inaugural cup, which was attended by more than 150 people. There was a raffle to raise money for a memorial bench to be installed by the football pitch at Brampton Memorial Hall.

Matthew’s parents Alison and Paul Staff said they had been moved by the efforts of their son’s friends.

Mrs Staff said: “I’m so proud that there are people who wanted to remember Matthew in this way. It was wonderful to get so many down on Monday, and we hope that it can become an annual event in Matthew’s memory.”

The idea was supported by all Matthew’s friends and team-mates, said event organiser Clive Gatford.

“The suggestion came about very quickly after Matthew’s accident,” he said. “Everyone wanted to do something in his memory, and this seemed like the right way to do it. We’ve had tremendous support from people who knew Matthew and businesses in Brampton, who donated prizes for the day.

“Both clubs have agreed that this will now become an annual fixture, probably at the end of the season.”