A THIRD football tournament in memory of brave young Wirral cancer victim Elliot Wild takes place this weekend for Claire House.

More than 1100 children have registered for the Claire House Cup, taking place at Wirral Rugby Club on Saturday, June 14 and 15. Last year 109 teams took part, raising almost £10,000 for the hospice.

The tournament, organised by JM Sports Education and Everton FC and football squads, was open to from under sixes to under 13s.

Nine-year-old Elliot lost his fight with leukaemia in 2011, but mum Jackie threw herself into fundraising for the hospice and has so far raised more than £70,000.

Last year Elliot’s little brother, Finley, took to the pitch for the first time in his memory.

Liverpool FC goalkeeper Brad Jones, who lost his six-year-old son Luca to the disease, was also on hand to sign autographs and meet the young footballers.

Looking forward to June's tournament, Elliot’s mum Jackie told the Globe: "I can't think of a better legacy to Elliot's memory to see over 1,000 kids playing football over the weekend whilst helping other kids less fortunate than themselves.

"It's a chance for all kids from all over the region to compete whilst raising much needed funds for Claire House, which we feel is a fitting tribute to football mad Elliot."

Elliot was first diagnosed with leukaemia in April 2009 after mum 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.

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.