YOUNG soccer players are proudly playing on – in memory of a tragic team-mate.

The Almondbury Lions Under 11 side went down 2-1 in a game against Drighlington on Sunday.

But they took enormous pride in wearing their new blue kit, which bears the name Cameron on the front.

Cameron Martin, 10, tragically died last November from natural causes.

The soccer-mad youngster had joined the Almondbury team last year after previously playing with Kirkburton.

And now the Almondbury players are hoping the new kit will bring them luck in their RCD Junior League campaign.

The kit was bought for the club after a charity effort in Leeds, organised by workmates of Cameron’s dad, Simon.

The fundraisers also raised cash for a shield, made in Cameron’s honour, and it is hoped that can be played for at Cameron’s school, Rowley Lane JIN.

A £165,000 multi-sports games court at his former school in Lepton has been named Cameron’s Court.

Tragically Cameron collapsed suddenly at his Lepton home the day before and died in hospital on the day the court opened. His death was from natural causes.

Almondbury coach Robert Wilson said: “Cameron loved his football and he enjoyed playing with the Lions after moving from Kirkburton.

“The kids were a bit emotional when they saw the shirts with his name on it but they will take great pride in wearing the shirts.

“We also hope to liaise with Rowley Lane and see if we can have a soccer competition for the shield, to be played annually on Cameron’s Court.”

Cameron left his parents, Simon and Michelle, brothers Kyle and Alun and sisters Mikayla and Chanice.

Hepworth United’s Under 15 side also returned to the field after the tragic death of one of their players, Huw Thatcher.

And they too had a new kit – courtesy of Championship club Cardiff City.

Huw, 15, of Holmfirth, was a lifelong Cardiff fan and after his death from a brain aneurysm, one of his Hepworth team-mates wrote to tell Cardiff.

The Welsh club responded by sending a complete set of shirts for the team to wear, which they did in their home game against Wyke Wanderers.

Coach Nigel Bowers said: “It was a wonderful gesture which was much appreciated by the lads.

“The big thing was getting back out on the pitch and it was emotional for all involved.

“It was a very even game but Wyke just edged it 1-0, and they are a great set of lads.”