Teams are getting ready to compete at Ramsgate FC for the Colin Hill Memorial Cup

Cash will be raised for three causes by this year’s Colin Hill Memorial Cup charity football tournament.

The annual event has taken place for the last four years in memory of former Thanet football coach Colin Hill, who died in 2014 after a short illness.

The tournament, sponsored this year by Thanet Removals & Storage, is organised by Colin’s sons Paul and Gavin.

Money raised will go to Rainbow Children’s Ward at the QEQM hospital in Margate, Ramsgate Football Club and Thanet Colts Football Club.

Remembering a Thanet youth coach

Colin Hill signed for Aston Villa FC when he was 14 but was released at the age of 18 after a knee injury.

He moved to Margate in 1961 and, with wife Jeanette, had  sons Paul and Gavin.

He had a brief spell with Birchington Albion but it was the time he spent coaching youth football  with Thanet United, Westgate Sports, Margate Athletic Reserves and Ramsgate Youth that he is best remembered for.

He coached many players that went on to play for Margate and Ramsgate football clubs, including Paul and Gavin.

The tournament

This year’s tournament has six teams competing for the cup that is held by last year’s victors, Westgate Sports Seniors.

The matches take place on Saturday, May 13 at Ramsgate Football Club and will run from 10am to 4pm. There will be a raffle and The Gaming Vault Truck will be available on the day for children to pay and play, offering PS4 XBOX1 and many other games consoles.

Age limitation on games for the day will be 13 so that there are no inappropriate games played in front of younger children.

The Gaming Vault Truck has kindly donated an hour and a half party for up to 16 children.  This will be a separate raffle at £5 a ticket.

Hot food and refreshments will be available as well as the bar being open for the adults.

Thanet artist Darren Lewis has also  donated one of his  signed prints  in a frame  which will be the subject of a silent auction.

Paul said: “This event has grown over the past four years since my Dad died and has raised just under £6000 for charities.

“We would like to gain as much support on the day as possible.”

Paul can be contacted on [email protected]