The Dan Haslam Memorial Cup returned for its 12th year, bringing Tamworth FC and North Companions FC together to honour a man who remains deeply connected to both clubs.
Haslam played his junior football with North Companions before joining Tamworth FC at senior level. He continued to play for Tamworth while undergoing cancer treatment, showing the determination and love for the game that his friends, teammates and football community remember.
The memorial match was established to honour Haslam, raise awareness of cancer and support families and causes affected by the disease.
Tamworth FC entered the match as the reigning holders of the memorial trophy, but the fixture once again offered both clubs a chance to remember Haslam and celebrate his impact beyond the pitch.
Tamworth FC committee member and registrar Brent May knew Haslam through high school and university. He said seeing the fixture reach its 12th year showed the strength of the legacy Haslam left behind.
“It’s a really special day for both clubs because Dan is part of the history of both clubs, as a junior for NCFC and senior for TFC,” May said.
“The trophy gives us an opportunity each year to remember Dan not just as a footballer but as a person, teammate, family man and someone who made a difference to the people around him.”
For May, Haslam’s decision to continue playing while undergoing treatment captured the character of the person both clubs came to know.
“The fact he continued to play senior football for us whilst undergoing cancer treatment says a lot about his character, determination and love of the game,” May said.
After 12 years, the memorial fixture has become much more than a football match. It gives Haslam’s family, both clubs and the wider football community an opportunity to come together, share memories and keep his story alive.
May hopes those who attend the day leave with a greater understanding of the person Haslam was and the impact he continues to have.
“I hope people leave the day understanding what Dan meant to the people around him and the impact he has on the community,” May said.
For those who knew Haslam, the day is not only about remembering his passing but celebrating the life he lived and the game he loved.
“We want to remember Dan with a smile, to celebrate the life he lived and the football he loved,” May said.
“The fact that 12 years on we are still coming together to play for the trophy is a powerful reflection of the lasting impact he had on both clubs and the wider community.”
North Companions FC claimed the Dan Haslam Memorial Cup, but the result was only one part of a day centred on remembering Dan and celebrating the legacy he left behind.
The Dan Haslam Memorial Cup continues to honour that legacy, using the game Haslam loved to bring people together and support families affected by cancer.