SOUTH Gawler and Willaston Football Clubs will again battle it out for the Josh Ahern Cup in the under 17s this Saturday.
The cup has been running for over a decade now, and pays tribute to young South Gawler footballer Josh Ahern who tragically lost his life in a car accident 12 years ago.
Josh’s brother, Jacob, who still plays for the Lions, said the cup is an emotional occasion each year.
“It’s been 12 years now, it’s just raising points to the boys about safety while they’re driving,” he said.
“Every time I have a chat with them, you see it in their eyes and their faces, they’re taking it all in.
“Even a few of the Willaston boys, once they’re out from under
17s and they’re at the pubs now, they say how much they’ve appreciated it.
“It comes with a sadness to it, they all know what it means to each other, and they try to keep their mates in check.
“For the clubs to keep it going as long as it has been has been a nice way to remember Josh by.”
Willaston captain Zac Meyvogel said the lessons learned throughout the cup period do stick with him.
“I feel very honoured to play for Josh, it’s very motivational to be safe on the road,” he said.
“It sends a strong message to all the boys and the girls who are part of it.”
South Gawler co-captain Sam Riggs echoed the sentiment, and
said “everyone wants to get home to their family”.
“It means a lot to the boys, we all get around Jacob before the game, and he has a bit of a word to us,” he said.
“We play for him and his family, it’s a good message to everyone.”