FORMER footballers for a successful youth team reunited this weekend for a charity tournament in memory of a little boy who died from Leukaemia.

Members of Rodbourne Mannington Junior FC travelled from far and wide – including across the Atlantic- to attend the fundraiser at PlayFootball, Kembrey Park in aid of Daniel Fagan.

Daniel, who attended Trees Nursery, was diagnosed with Leukaemia when he was just 19 months old. He passed away in February shortly after his 5th birthday.

His dad Phillip was a goalkeeper for the team and attended with wife Emma and their other son Dexter, two.

The tournament also had another special significance as it was the first time in 24 years the team have been together on the pitch.

All proceeds will be donated to charity CALM which supported Daniel and his family throughout his treatment

The family, who live in Old Town, said they were delighted the footballers united to honour the Robert Le Kyng primary pupil.

“Daniel was the most cheeky, loving little boy,” said Emma.

“He was so resilient, he didn’t let anything get him down. Lots of people called him an inspiration because after he had a bone marrow transplant he had to relearn how to crawl and walk and he just got on with everything.

Phillip added: “We’re very pleased to be here for the tournament, it’s such a good idea and it shows that Daniel is still in everyone’s thoughts and memories. He hasn’t been forgotten about.”

The 20 players split into four teams named after Daniel’s favourite superheroes.

Lee Kilby, former captain and centre half for the team organised the event. He said:

“As soon as I heard about Daniel’s story I knew I wanted to do something for him. He was such an amazing little boy. We wanted to do a reunion anyway and this makes it even more special.

“Some of the guys I haven’t seen in 24 years so it’s really touching that they would come back and show their support in this way.

“It brings back so many memories seeing the guys after so long, we started off not being that good and we really progressed to being top of our game. I hope we can bring some of that magic today.”

Centre-back Rob Gibbon, originally from Wroughton, travelled all the way from Atlanta to play in the tournament.

“What happened to Daniel was heartbreaking, it’s important to do something in his memory, that's why I wanted to come today," Rob, 39, said.

"It’s great to see everyone after such a long time, it feels like we haven’t been away.”

Rodbourne Mannington Junior FC enjoyed glittering success in the early 1990s and won many leagues, tournaments and trophies.