A NEWPORT football club is holding its annual veterans tournament in memory of its former manager who died suddenly in December 2017.

Jeff ‘Jasper’ Hughes was involved with the Corries for a number of years, having first played for the club back in 1974.

He then took over as player-manager, before hanging up his boots to take over as manager, and then moving to various roles on the club’s committee.

Mr Hughes has been described as a "much-loved member of the club", and the honour him, the team decided to host the first seven-a-side veterans tournament last year.

This Saturday, the tournament will return at the Corries FC ground in Coronation Park - kicking off at 11am.

Eight teams will take part in the competition.

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Admission is free, but organisers are asking for a donation via bucket collection with all money raised on the day going to the British Heart Foundation.

As well as the football, the club are keen to make this an event for the whole family. There will be a bouncy castle and face painting on offer, a barbecue, and the clubhouse bar will also be open.

There is also a raffle with prizes including a signed Manchester City football, a Newport County AFC shirt and an overnight stay in the Hilton Hotel in Newport.

South Wales Argus:

(Former Newport Corinthians player, manager, and committee member Jeff ‘Jasper’ Hughes. Picture: Nikki Hughes)

Mr Hughes' family thanked the club for their support continuing the event on for a second year.

They said: “We thought we knew how well-liked Jasper was, but we have been blown away by the support since his tragic passing in December 2017.

“Last year’s event was phenomenal and we are all very much looking forward to this year’s event.

“Best of luck to all the teams and a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in organising the tournament and of course to all the players.

“Good luck, we hope to see a big crowd on the day to join in the fun and of course watch the games in action.”

South Wales Argus:

(The 2018 veterans tournament hosted by Newport Corinthians in memory of their former manager Jeff ‘Jasper’ Hughes. Picture: Nikki Hughes.)

Club chairman Mark Pearce paid tribute to Mr Hughes ahead of the tournament.

He said: "Jeff was a committed player and manager who always gave 100 per cent.

"He was always well respected by the senior players and always made every effort to help and encourage the younger players coming through.

"He was always happy, a great friend and a pleasure to be around and loved to reminisce about games that he played in his youth.

"Jeff was also a key member of the committee and held the positions of manager, secretary and treasurer and is one of the reasons that the club is still going today.

"He will always be missed by everyone at Newport Corinthians."

Corries player Simon Clarke said: “He was a football man, he loved to talk about the game, and was always honest.

"He had a way of making you love him even after he just told you that you were useless in the game you just played. But after he had said his piece, the beers would flow and all was forgotten.

"You could never stay mad at him.

“He was part of the walls, one of the ever presents, his heart and passion for the club rivalled by only a select few."

After the tournament is over, the FA Cup Final will be shown on the big screen at the clubhouse.