The 27th annual Valley Parade Memorial Tournament, which is held to honour those who lost their lives in the Bradford City fire disaster, will take place over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

The football competition has run every year since 1986, a year after the tragedy claimed 56 lives when Bradford City played against Lincoln City.

Youngsters from local junior clubs across the district will take on teams from Bradford City, Lincoln City, Germany and Ireland at Marley Activities and Coaching Centre, Keighley, on Saturday, April 7, and Sunday, April 8.

One of the main features of the tournament is that every year there is a steady flow of new youngsters going along to play. It has seen more than 10,000 players take part since 1986. In doing so, have been given the opportunity to remember those who lost their lives at Valley Parade on the fateful day of May 11, 1985.

The tournament is organised by Bradford Council’s sport and leisure service and the Prison Officers’ Association. It was initiated by Howell Williams, the Council’s former chief recreation officer, but since 2000 it has been organised by lifelong Bantams fan and Council employee Carl Dalton.

The competition is especially poignant for Carl who was in the main stand when City took on Lincoln in the final game of the 1984/85 season.

Carl, who is the Council’s community play and activities development unit manager, said: “The tournament helps preserve the memory of those who died, provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what happened that day, and also lets us celebrate our future footballers.

“While the tournament was born out of a tragedy that will always be remembered, it also gives us the chance to look forward and see young footballers enjoying the matches. It shows how sport can unite people.”