SIXTEEN teams are set to line up for a special tournament in memory of a talented footballer, who died in June at the age of just 23.

Blair McEwan represented junior side Haddington Athletic last season and was set to play for Dunbar United this term.

Kerry MacDonald and Gary Lyon are among those who have helped organise the tournament, which kicks off at noon on Sunday at Whittingehame Drive’s 3G sports surface.

Kerry, who knew Blair through her family, said: “He was just a lovely guy, who would do anything for anybody.

“Just the best way to describe him really would be to say he was one of the nicest people I have ever met.” Teams representing both Haddington Athletic and Dunbar United will take part in the six-a-side tournament.

The size of the tournament has been increased, such was the interest from the community.

Kerry added: “We are doing it as six-a-side because so many people were wanting to take part.

“Originally, it was going to be 12 teams but there were so many people wanting to take part we have increased it.” After the tournament, a special disco will be held at The Golf Tavern in Haddington, which will also feature a raffle, with donations from the likes of Hibernian FC.

The money raised will then be used to buy a memorial plaque.

A site to erect the plaque has yet to be chosen but Kerry felt somewhere football-related would be appropriate.

Any other money raised would then be donated to local football development groups.

Dunbar United manager Geoff Jones and Tom Thornton, from Haddington Athletic were among those who paid tribute to Blair following his death.

Similarly, McConechy’s Tyre and Exhaust Centre, where Blair worked after leaving school, told of their shock and sadness.

Blair from Colstoun Mains Cottages, near Haddington, is survived by his mother and father, Dorothy and Bobby, as well as brother and sister, Neil and Sheenarose.

Kerry and Gary are both looking for items to be added to the raffle and can be contacted on gazzalyon1@hotmail.co.uk