The Liverpool Football Family - By Simon Grant


 Over the years, I've been lucky enough to play with some of the best amateur footballers our great city has ever produced and there are none better than Ben Williams and Michael Lundon.


Ben was one of my closest friends and someone who always felt more like a brother. In our twenties and early thirties, we were inseparable, both on and off the football field. He was a special player and an even better man. I got close to his family and built so many amazing memories with Ben, his wife Jac, his daughters Rebecca and Grace and his little brother Matty, who was also an excellent footballer.

While playing together at Old Xavs, we built an excellent team and won plenty of trophies. However, my best football memory is winning the last ever I-Zingari Premier Leage title in 2006 and Ben lifting the trophy after the final game. What a player and captain he was. You can see how happy Ben was in the photo above.

I was living in the States when Ben died and I can remember that day like it was yesterday. Being so far away and not being able to be there for people who I classed as family was heartbreaking. It all felt totally unfair and not real and I have struggled to come to terms with it ever since. I think about Ben every day and it hurts as much today as it ever has. He died in the prime of his life and left a special family. What they have been through is unthinkable and the fact that Rebecca and Grace have turned into amazing young ladies is testament to Ben and especially Jac who has spent the past 5 years doing this all on her own.

I have so many great memories of Ben and I try my best to think about the amazing things we did together over the years. From the Saturday mornings sat in his kitchen with a bacon butty watching Football Focus and talking about the game we were about to play to being his best man while he married the love of his life. Special memories I will never forget.

I didn't get to know Michael until the creation of the County Premier League in 2006. At that stage, I started to play against Michael in that great Waterloo Dock team, which dominated local football for years. We always acknowledged each other when we played and we both knew we were in for a game when we came up against each other. I then got a lot closer to Michael and his brother James when playing for the County Reps. We made some brilliant memories and I spent most of my time on away trips talking to and drinking with Michael.

When I talk to people about Michael, the way I describe him is immense! Immense in every way... on the field, in the tackle, in the air, with the ball but most importantly, immense in his fight against MND. What he has had to deal with and the way he has faced this disease is inspirational. Him and his amazing family are some of the best people you are likely to meet and I'm so happy I got to know them. Michael, Jimmy, James, Frank, Deno and most importantly Vicky, Maya and Ted will always have my support as they continue their fight. By the way, Can you think of a better family 5 a-side team? I can’t. Unbelievable talent.

The Lundon Williams Trophy footy tournament is all about supporting the Liverpool football family and these two local legends. An opportunity to bring together some of the best amateur footballers the city has ever produced, reignite old rivalries, play the game we all love and then reminisce about the good old days over a pint afterwards. Is there a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon? I don’t think so. I’m confident that our football family is stronger than ever and will turn up to support these worthy causes and enjoy the the third annual tournament in style.

Thanks to all of those who have supported the event so far and hopefully I’ll get to see some of you on the the day.

Please visit the gofundme page (details will be posted shortly) and donate to the cause and get down on the day for footy, beers, a load of laughs and to celebrate Ben and Michael and their contribution to Liverpool Amateur footy.

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