Dunfermline: Water Polo cup in memory of Brian Campbell held

Over the weekend, the BMC Cup was held at Carnegie Leisure Centre to commemorate the life of Brian Campbell, who passed away in December 2019 aged 61 following a brave battle with cancer.

He held a variety of roles with Dunfermline, including as a coach, in which he helped them to a British Cup win at under-16 level, and also played a significant role in developing future stars of the game nationally.

His sons, Alasdair, Darren and Chris, came up with the idea to honour Brian's legacy in the form of a youth water polo tournament, with the first taking place in 2021.

From Friday to Sunday, a fourth competition in all - following on from the first all-female BMC Cup, held in September - took place, with more than 150 players coming together to play.

Seven under-18 teams - including three who travelled from England - and five under-15 sides, including Dunfermline, were involved in the action, which began on Friday evening and concluded on Sunday.

More than 150 players took part over the weekend. (Image: David Wardle.)

Alasdair said: "It was the best one yet, in terms of it being the biggest one, with over 150 players.

"There were a lot of good, close, competitive games and, on Saturday, you couldn't get a space on the (spectator) balcony for the most of the day.

"We've been hearing a lot of positive messages from players and coaches; 'a superbly orangised event' is a theme that keeps coming up, which is great. Everyone had a great time.

"This year we had to turn teams away. It's good that it has grown that much, but not good that some players aren't getting the chance to play."

Available pool time was at its maximum for the tournament, which saw Portobello win the under-18 competition, with Worthing Water Polo Club and Radcliffe Swimming and Water Polo Club place second and third, and Menzieshill winning the under-15s, with Dunfermline second, and Warrender third.

In addition, on the final day, a 'minis' match for beginners in the sport, and a 'Brian's boys' exhibition, featuring players that were involved in his Scottish junior squads down the years, also took place.

Alasdair, who is already looking ahead to both male and female editions in 2024, expressed thanks to the near-40 volunteers who helped over the weekend, and Dunfermline Water Polo Club and Carnegie Leisure Centre for their support, added: "As well as the sentimental side, there's a big desire from teams to take part in these tournaments.

"We try to cater for junior water polo. That's what dad was all about."