Keith teen killed in A96 crash honoured through football with third and final Stuart Begg Memorial Tournament
The final football tournament played in memory of popular youngster Stuart Begg has raised thousands for charity.
Stuart, a former Keith Grammar School pupil and Macduff footballer, was 18 years old when he tragically died in a car crash on the A96 near Keith in 2021.
Since his death, his sister, Amanda, has organised an annual charity football tournament in the town to celebrate his life through his main passion.
This year’s event, which took place at Simpson Park, attracted eight teams - with Huntly running out winners.
However, the third running of the Stuart Begg Memorial Tournament is set to be the final - with the family making the “heartbreaking” decision to stop the event due to increasing organisational difficulties.
Things went out on a high, though, with more than £3000 raised for a variety of north-east charities.
Amanda said: “It was a bittersweet and very emotional day.
“I cried myself through it, but it was worth it. It was a really good day and we got a great turnout.
“We decided that this was our final tournament, which was a heartbreaking decision to make.
“It helps us deal with the anniversary. It doesn’t make it easier, but seeing everyone turnout makes us realise how loved he was. We spend the day doing something he loved.
“It was becoming a bit more of a struggle to organise and three years is a good one to end it on.
“Most of the teams were disappointed when we said we weren’t doing it next year, but we made the decision as a family.
“We didn’t want to keep going on with a poorer turnout and it was a struggle to organise, especially with getting referees.”
Amanda was “overwhelmed” that spectators stepped up to help referee matches this year after troubles with finding officials.
More than £3000 was raised altogether. Around £1700 was raised through the raffle, Stuart’s brother, Callum, made more than £600 by doing a fun run and around £1250 was provided in sponsorships by local businesses.
The winners were Huntly, who only decided to enter a team a few days before the competition. They will pick their own charity for the funds to be donated to. The remainder will be split between good causes locally, including mental health charity SAMH.
Amanda thanked Bert’s Bar, Cairn Competitions and the Commercial Hotel in Keith for sponsoring the match.
As for the future, there remains hope that something will be done to honour Stuart’s memory.
Amanda added: “Macduff and Turriff United, two of Stuart’s former teams, are quite keen to do something every year for him.
“Even if it's a barbecue. Just so we can all get together and catch up, because they were all so close as youngsters.
“The days of the all-day tournament have rightfully come to an end but maybe something on a smaller scale is worth looking into.”
