A SPECIAL tournament is being held at Morton's ground in memory of a much-loved husband, father, son and brother who was a junior football star.

The charity event will take place on Saturday May 14 at Cappielow to remember the late Ryan Macdonald, who tragically passed away, aged 41, two years ago.

The fundraiser will be a real family event with Ryan's nine-year-old son Callan kicking off the tournament with his club, Port Glasgow Boys 2013, and his daughter Eilidh, 14, performing with Lorraine Blue's Dance Company before the matches.

Ryan's brother Ross said his loved ones wanted to hold an event to mark the anniversary and also give people who did not have the chance to attend Ryan's funeral - due to the 2020 initial Covid lockdown - a chance to celebrate his life.

Ross told the Telegraph: "It was the second anniversary recently and all the family met up to be together and support one another.

"It's been good having this tournament to give us a positive focus and to raise funds for our two chosen excellent charities - Man On Inverclyde and Morton in the Community."

Key players in helping to organise the event are Ryan's friend Martin Campbell and Brian McLaughlin of Morton in the Community.

Martin promised during lockdown that he would organise something special to honour Ryan and their friendship.

There will be eight teams taking part, including six clubs the talented striker Ryan played for - Greenock Juniors, Port Juniors, Arthurlie, Petershill, Neilston and Johnstone Burgh.

They will be joined by a few team-mates of his 5-a-side and 7-a-side pals from when he retired from the junior scene.

All the family will be involved and Craig McCormick, who is the partner of Ryan's sister Natalie, will be leading the Port Juniors.

He also played with Ryan for Greenock and the Port.

Ross said: "Ryan would have loved the tournament, he loved a night out and he loved his football.

"It would have been right up his street.

"We thought the tournament would a fitting thing to do - it brings everyone together, especially those who couldn't go to the funeral, and hopefully it will be light-hearted and a nice celebration of Ryan's life."

Ryan came from a close knit loving family and his wife Lynne, Callan and Eilidh, and Natalie all live in the same area and were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community.

Ross said: "We've had incredible support, there were so many flowers, cards, messages, even people delivering home cooked meals.

"I know some people feel they don't know whether they should get in touch but it gives you such a lift and we were so grateful for all the support."

Gates will open at 11.30am on the day of the big tourney, with kick off at noon and donations will be welcomed.

Ross and the family would like to see as many people come along as possible to support the event and if anyone wants to support the fundraising they can pledge online at www.justgiving.com/campaign/Number9Tournament