Water Polo event in memory of Dunfermline's Brian Campbell

The fourth boys under-18s edition of The BMC Cup, in memory of Brian Campbell, was held at Carnegie Leisure Centre in Dunfermline from Friday to Sunday.

Eight teams, three of which travelled from England, with another heading north from Wales, took part in the event which was first held three years ago.

Brian, who held a variety of roles with Dunfermline Water Polo Club, including coaching them to a British Cup win at under-16 level, passed away aged 61, in 2019, after a brave battle with cancer.

His three sons - Alasdair, Darren and Chris, who themselves have all played for Dunfermline and Scotland - organised the tournament to mark his legacy within the sport, which also saw him work with Scotland and Caledonia teams, the latter of which is a composite side featuring players from Scottish clubs to participate in British Water Polo League competitions.

With an ethos of giving youngsters opportunities in and out of the water, this year's BMC Cup saw a total of eight teams take part, with around 70 kids also playing in an under-14 age group development competition on day two.

"It was the fourth edition of the boys tournament, which is pretty crazy," Alasdair commented.

"We had eight teams - four from Scotland, three from England, and one from Wales, who travelled up. It's good to see that we're expanding and that the interest is there. I feel that next year might be the year we have to say no to teams.

Alasdair Campbell (left) has been delighted with how the tournament has grown. (Image: Silvia Corrao.)

"Over 160 players took part over the whole weekend, and we did an under-14 development competition on Saturday, which had 70 players roughly. For a lot of those playing, it was their first water polo competition, so it was good to have beginners up to the more experienced players."

Portobello were the tournament winners, with Rotherham Metro placing second, and Stirling finishing third.

Making up the remaining positions were Radcliffe Swimming and Water Polo Club, Northampton School for Boys, Celtic Dragons, Menzieshill and Warrender, whilst Portobello were also winners of the development tournament.

Dunfermline were second, losing the final 4-2, followed by Menzieshill, Kirkintilloch and Kilsyth, Warrender, Stirling and Stingrays.

To mark 10 years since Scotland won bronze against South Africa at the 2014 Commonwealth Water Polo Championships, a match which featured Alasdair, Darren and Chris, as well as four other Dunfermline players - Mark Speed, Andrew Woodall, Davie Baxter and Simon Metcalfe - a commemorative match against a Scottish select team was also held.

The latest edition of The BMC Cup comes after a second all-girls tournament was held in September, and Alasdair, who wished to thank Dunfermline Water Polo Club, Dunfermline Amateur Swimming Club, and all those who volunteered to help, added: "It has expanded beyond our most ambitious expectations.

"Five years ago, when my dad passed away, I was standing at his funeral, and thought I'd love to hold a water polo tournament in his memory, and if we get teams to come from around the country, that would be great.

"We've created something that kids are all excited for every year now.

"It makes me feel pretty proud."