FRIENDS and family of tragic Kyle Byfield came together for a memorial football tournament in Banbury on Sunday.

The 23-year-old, who died on April 16, was a keen footballer and played for a number of teams around Banbury.

He had been found in Jubliee Court, Banbury, with stab wounds. Mr Byfield was rushed to the Horton General Hospital but died later that day.

The event at Broughton and North Newington Football Club was organised by three school friends of Mr Byfield, sisters Loretta Sawers, 24, Bethany Sawers, 22, and Bronte Sawers, 20.

Loretta Sawers said: “We just wanted people to see how much Kyle was loved. He was a great guy and we thought it would be nice if everyone came together to celebrate his life after he was taken from us so tragically.

“He was so cheeky and always had a smile on his face. He had never been in trouble and was one of the good ones.”

Three teams made up of Kyle’s friends played in the tournament and there were refreshments and a raffle.

The event was supported by Banbury businesses, including AKA, Frankie and Benny’s and RJ’s Hair Salon.

Players paid £10 and supporters paid £5 to get in, with the money being given to Mr Byfield’s family for his funeral and to knife crime and asthma charities.

Natasha Capell, 26, of Jubilee Court, Banbury, appeared at Oxford Crown Court, charged with Mr Byfield’s murder on April 21.