John Thomson, the Prince of Goalkeepers

2011 tournament and charitable status confirmed

The John Thomson Memorial Committee (JTMC) are delighted to announce their plans to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the death of former Celtic and Scotland goalkeeper John Thomson, who was often referred to as “The Prince of Goalkeepers”.

This year a group of around 60 enthusiasts will take part in the John Thomson 80th anniversary Memorial Pilgrimage walk from Celtic Park, Glasgow to Cardenden. Including members of JTMC and Celtic Graves Society they will re-create the steps that many Thomson admirers took to attend John’s funeral in September 1931.

The walk will commence in Glasgow on Friday September 2nd and aim to arrive in Cardenden on the morning of Sunday 4th September to coincide with the JTMC’s annual football held in John’s memory. The Pilgrimage walkers will be raising funds for the JTMC’s (Charity no SC042476) ambitious plans for a multipurpose sports and recreational centre which they hope to build on behalf of the community as a permanent tribute to the Prince of Goalkeepers.

Schools Football Tournament

The annual primary schools football tournament will provide the cornerstone of a weekend of celebrations of John’s life. The tournament will take place on Sunday 4th September from 11.00 am at Moorside Park, Dundonald where primary school children from Cardenden, Bowhill, Dundonald and Kinglassie will compete for the coveted John Thomson Memorial Trophy. Now in its 28th year and with over 3000 school boys and girls having taken part, the tournament is a major event in the Central Fife area.

The tournament is followed by a prize giving ceremony in Bowhill War Memorial Club at 3.00 pm. A wreath laying ceremony will take place at John’s graveside in Bowhill Cemetery at 4.15 pm.

Donate to JTMC

JTMC welcome donations in the following formats: Online – www.justgiving.com/johnthomsonmemorialcommittee

Text donations: Text a donation by texting ‘JOHN31 £amount’ to 70070 (example: JOHN31 £10)