Newbury YMCA's football fun day in Thatcham held in honour of much-loved youth worker James McMahon

A community football fun day has been held in honour of a popular youth worker who lost his life in 2020.

James McMahon, who worked for YMCA Newbury and St Lawrence Church in Hungerford, died suddenly, aged 38, in December 2020.

He left behind a wife and two young girls.

The Christian, who is described by his parents as a ‘larger-than-life’ character, had established the YMCA’s annual football tournament for young people 12 years ago.

Mr McMahon gave his spare time to creating activities for young people and leading by example – showing them how to live a good life.

Since his passing, the football tournament has continued to thrive and this year sport was again used to bring people together at Henwick Park.

The YMCA held a junior and adult football tournament and a penalty shoot-out for under-fives as well as rock painting and face painting.

Retired chairperson Mark Foster, who had also been treasurer and secretary, and his wife Liz, who is still a treasurer, made their annual appearances as ‘King and Queen’ of the annual barbeque.

James McMahon memorial trophies are awarded in Mr McMahon’s honour and, this year, both the junior and senior trophies were won by under-17 team Kany FC – made up of Newbury youngsters.

Mr McMahon’s father, and group treasurer, David McMahon said: “As a family we really miss James.

“He was a larger-than-life character and a wonderful son with a big heart.”

“A special mention should also be made of the retired Sunday League team who were just pipped at the post in the senior tournament.”

The fun day also features a David McMahon trophy which chairwoman Sue Smith says is awarded to anybody with a ‘lovely heart’.

“It is not something for football,” she said. “But if a child wants to help you tidy up or clean up the mess afterwards, it is for something like that.”

“We are eternally grateful to Mark, Liz and all the other volunteers that gave selflessly their time at the 12th YMCA annual football tournament to make it a huge success.

She added: “James was a natural and used his love of football and other sports to engage, support and encourage many youngsters at various clubs and tournaments throughout his time as Newbury’s YMCA youth worker.

“He is very much missed, and it was evident on the day how many teams played through the connection James had with them.

“He was a Christian and it is that ethos of having a heart for young people and give them a good example of how to live a good life and be kind and considerate and pass on those values.

“He did it very easily because he was that guy you could look up to but he also became one of them as he had a very young mind and a young heart.”

A special mention also went to former chair Jane Sutton who helped the group keep going when times were tough.

The Newbury YMCA is currently looking into possible ways to enrich the lives of 11- to 25-year-olds once more.

It is hoping that someone as equally passionate about the youth as Mr McMahon will be able to fill this gap.