A RECORD number of young footballers will play a tournament in memory of young Wirral cancer victim Elliot Wild next weekend.

The fifth Claire House Cup takes place at Wirral Rugby Club during on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26.

Waiting to play are 1500 children in 156 teams.

Last year, 1400 took to the pitch, raising £29,120.50p, beating the previous year's total of £15,000.

Wirral Globe:

Nine-year-old Elliot (pictured) died from leukaemia in 2011, but mum Jackie threw herself into fundraising for the hospice and has so far raised £160,000.

Looking forward to next weekend's tournament, which takes place from 10am-3pm on both days, she told the Globe today: "We've had an amazing response this year; 1500 children signed up, so it's going to be a brilliant weekend.

"We have a waiting list of 50 teams who have been hard to let down, but that is a great testament to the how popular this tournament is.

"Fifteen teams have decided to raise their own sponsorship, rather than pay the entry fee, which is brilliant, because it means a lot more money will be raised."

Among those taking part are Elliot's brother Finlay and cousins Harry and Oscar.

Organised by JM Sports Coaching and Everton FC and football squads, the event was open to from under sixes to under 13s.

Its main sponsor is Bagnall & Morris and Neston Building Supplies have sponsored the trophies.

Jackie said: "We couldn’t do it without them."

Wirral Globe:

Action from last year's Claire House Cup. Picture: Geoff Davies

Looking back to last year's event, she continued: "The day was fantastic. The kids were all excited and we saw some fantastic football played.

"It was very emotional, but no better way to remember our special little boy, Elliot.

"Thank you to everyone who took part. We are truly grateful."

Elliot was first diagnosed with leukaemia in April 2009 after Jackie noticed he had become lethargic. Once diagnosed, he was quickly operated on.

But after more than a year of remission with regular treatment and check-ups, doctors discovered that the cancer had come back stronger than ever.

Elliot was a keen Liverpool FC supporter and the club took him to their hearts.

Wirral Globe:

Action from last year's Claire House Cup. Picture: Geoff Davies

He went to the LFC TV studios with Jackie to appeal for supporters to register with the Anthony Nolan charity in the hope that one fan may prove a match for the youngster and help save his life.

Despite setbacks, Elliot fought on and even managed to star in his own LFC TV show at Christmas, putting his own questions to keeper Pepe Reina during a special edition of "SmallTalk."

Elliot's final game at Anfield was as a guest of the club for the recent match against Manchester United when he visited the Players' Lounge afterwards to congratulate his heroes.