The Lincoln City Youth Academy is pleased to announce that the 2013 Keith Alexander Memorial Tournament will be sponsored by The Lincolnshire Echo.
Now in its third year the tournament has already established a reputation for being a well-organised and competitive event in which young players from a number of Academies set high standards of quality and entertainment.
This year’s tournament takes place on the weekend of 17/18 August.
Academy teams will compete at Under 14 and Under 16 level as part of their preparations for the new season. This year the Youth Academy is expanding the event with more teams and hopefully many more spectators supporting the weekend.
A number of local clubs have also been invited this year to help build stronger community links between local clubs and Academy football and to break down barriers in football: something Keith Alexander was passionate about achieving.
Commenting on the Echo’s sponsorship of the tournament Publisher Richard Duxbury said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the Keith Alexander Memorial Tournament in what is a fitting occasion for someone who was a big believer in nurturing talent of the future.
"Keith unearthed a number of gems when he was a manager and this tournament is certainly a showcase for stars of the future. We had no hesitation in giving our backing to what has been a hugely successful event in the last couple of years.
"It continues to go from strength to strength and it’s a great occasion for all young players to play in it given who it is honouring."
Youth Academy manager Damian Froggatt said he was delighted to have the backing of a high profile local business that is already a long-term sponsor of the Football Club.
"The Lincolnshire Echo is just the type of sponsor we were seeking for as we look to increase both the size and profile of the tournament," said Damian.
"I would like to express my thanks to Richard and Leigh Curtis at the Echo for their willingness to support us and the Youth Academy looks forward to working with the paper as we finalise our plans for the event."
All proceeds from the tournament will go directly to the Future Imps Fund which was launched in April to attract new investment into the club to help sustain the Youth Academy. Keith Alexander himself was a huge supporter of the Club's Youth Department and this annual event is a fitting tribute to his memory.
For more information about the Future Imps Fund go to www.redimps.com/futureimpsfund.
To contact the Youth Academy email futureimpsfund@redimps.com.
