THE annual Yeoford Football Festival returned on Saturday, July 4, as organisers Matt Cooke, Owen Cooper and Riley Orchard welcomed 15 teams to Yeoford Community Hall and Recreation Field for another successful charity football tournament in aid of Hospiscare.

The event kicked off at 9am and concluded at 3.30pm, with more than 300 players, volunteers and spectators enjoying a fantastic day of football under glorious Devon sunshine.

Old Boys Yeoford watch on during a penalty shootout.
Old Boys Yeoford watch on during a penalty shootout. (Photographed by Fergus Kingsley)
Teams stand by to watch group fixtures.
Teams stand by to watch group fixtures. (Yeoford Football Festival)

The tournament showcased some of Mid Devon’s finest, and funniest, football while celebrating the outstanding work carried out by Hospiscare across the local community.

Throughout the day, Jackie Coren and the Bow Peeps Hospiscare Fundraising Group provided invaluable support, helping with catering, the raffle and a variety of behind-the-scenes duties.

Meanwhile, organisers Matt Cooke, Owen Cooper and Riley Orchard balanced running the event whilst also representing their own teams on the pitch.

During one of the games.
During one of the games. (Yeoford Football Festival)

The barbecue, expertly operated by John Orchard and Andy Cooke, proved extremely popular throughout the day, while the bar remained busy as supporters cheered on the competing teams.

Although neither of the Yeoford teams claimed silverware this year, there were worthy winners across the competitions.

Harry Hooper of ‘Sporting Hooper’.
Harry Hooper of ‘Sporting Hooper’. (Yeoford Football Festival)

Crediton-based 6O’s lifted the main Cup trophy, Cheriton Fitzpaine won the YFF Trophy, and Ansu’s FC secured victory in the festival’s third-tier competition.

The day concluded with a presentation ceremony celebrating every player, volunteer and the generous local businesses whose support made the event possible.

Watching one of the games.
Watching one of the games. (Yeoford Football Festival)

Sponsors included Devon Flooring & Sanding Co, Crediton Milling Company, Page Concrete Ltd and vonde studios.

Matt Cooke expressed thanks to what he described as “the incredible generosity of everyone involved”, adding that the 2026 Yeoford Football Festival raised an outstanding £1,896.80 for Hospiscare.

He added: “It makes it the festival’s largest event to date and another memorable day of community spirit, football and fundraising for an incredible local cause.”