A FOOTBALLER from Sidmouth was celebrating last week after triumphing in the competition his great grandfather founded in Ottery St Mary 88 years ago.

A FOOTBALLER from Sidmouth was celebrating last week after triumphing in the competition his great grandfather founded in Ottery St Mary 88 years ago.

Centre-back Theo Burgess, 18, became the first member of his football-mad family to get his hands on the Golesworthy Cup after playing the full 90 minutes as his Sidbury United Reserves side thrashed local rivals Colaton Raliegh 4-0 in the final of the competition.

Theo got his hands on the trophy at the Ottery ground where his great grandfather, Arthur Golesworthy, founded it in 1921. His brother Jack suffered final defeat heartbreak in 2007, while the boys' grandfather also reached the semis of the cup.

Theo, a former student at The King's School in Ottery, said: " I was very aware of the history- my brother played in the final two years ago and didn't' win-and for me to be the first family member to win it is special.

"The fact we won it in a local derby against one of our biggest rivals makes it even sweeter. We've always played for Sidbury- they are our local team.

"My granddad also played in the cup but only got to the semi-finals. He was there and it was special for him to see me win it."

Several family members, including Arthur's daughter and Theo's grandmother Catherine Burgess were on hand to savour the historic family moment.

She said: "It was very exciting and wonderful for him (Theo) to have won it."

"Football does run in our family, I've got three sons, five grandsons and a husband that have all played.