A football tournament in memory of a Penwortham aid worker who died in a plane crash in Ethophia is returning for a second year.

Sam Pegram’s family and friends are putting on the Sam’s Legacy 7-a-side tournament.

25-year-old Sam died in 2019 when the Boeing 737 flight he was on crashed outside the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

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Sam and 156 others who were aboard died in the crash landing and his family have been running a campaign for justice for their son – seeking a verdict of unlawful killing due to faults they say there were with the flight control software onboard.

An inquest into Sam and other Brits onboard’s deaths is currently underway in Horsham, West Sussex.

The football tournament, taking place at Sam’s former school of Penwortham Priory Academy, is to raise funds to help asylum seekers through football sessions the Sir Tom Finney Soccer Centre put on. Both topics – helping refugees and Preston North End – which were two of Sam’s passions.

Sam’s brother Tom said: “Sam constantly brought people together, often through sport, and that is why we find it so fitting to celebrate his life by hosting this tournament.

“Last year was a great day and a great way to continue Sam’s Legacy. Bringing old friends together and creating new ones and new memories.

“We are aiming to raise £1,200 with all proceeds going to support a local organisation, Sir Tom Finney Soccer Centre in their work with refugees.”

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Sir Tom Finney Soccer Centre chairman Peter Mason said: “Our group of adult refuge and asylum seeker adults meet on a Friday evening at Playfootball, Tag Lane in Preston. We provide kit and trainers to an average of 30 players. Football brings them together to enjoy sport, create friendships and link into support networks.

“The children of refugees and asylum seekers attend our Saturday morning sessions at UCLan sports arena on Tom Benson Way, where they integrate with children of their own age and receive football coaching in a safe and fun environment. They can learn without pressure through sport and play.

“All the above is provide free of charge due to fundraising, sponsorship and grants. The assistance we receive from events like the tournament Sam’s Legacy is hosting enables The Sir Tom Finney Soccer Centre to provide the facilities for the participants and is greatly appreciated.”

The tournament features 12 teams and runs from 11am to 5pm on Saturday (22 July) and anyone is welcome to go along and watch.

A cake stall, raffle, refreshment vans and more will be on for spectators.

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