NEARLY 1,500 footballers came together in memory of former Alloa Saints player Alan McGillivray last month.

The annual Alan McGillivray Memorial Football went ahead across the weekend of June 22 and 23, drawing in bigger crowds than ever before.

Organisers reported 149 teams made up of around 1400 players and in excess of more than 1000 spectators to pay tribute to beloved Saints player Alan.

Paul Robertson, chair of Alloa Saints, said: “It was great to see so many kids and adults enjoying themselves and having fun.

“That was what the park used to be like every weekend.

“With the weather playing its part, it was all down to the players and the club to play their part and make it a day to remember for the players in the 2016, 17, 15, 14 and 13 squads and they did not disappoint.”

The two-day football festival allows the kids to show their stuff, while also drawing in teams from the nearby area and beyond.

Alongside a weekend of football, organisers also raised money for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and Forth Valley First Responders.

The club managed to raise a whopping £3,000 to be raised between the two charities, whom Alloa Saints work closely with.

Spectators and visitors left hugely positive feedback with the organisers, topping off a successful day in Alan’s name.

Paul continued: “The club would like to thank all of the club’s committee and parents who helped on both days and to those that were there Friday, Saturday and Sunday from dawn to dusk.

“Thanks as well to Stacy and her team from Clackmannanshire Leisure for the support and assistance they provided and to all from grounds maintenance for preparing the pitches to a high standard.

“Finally, thanks to Sports Markings Scotland who became somewhat of a sideshow in the park over Friday and Saturday evenings as the robotic pitch lining machine went to work plotting and painting pitch lines.”