Remembering Gary Speed: The Inaugural Gary Speed Cup
Carol Speed's voice softens as she reflects on the passing of her son, Gary Speed, the former Wales manager and captain, who took his own life 14 years ago. Despite the passage of time, discussing this loss remains challenging.
The intensity of grief may lessen, but it never truly fades. Those we have lost continue to occupy our thoughts, and sharing memories helps keep their spirits alive.
Each person's journey through grief is unique, yet there is comfort in the shared experience of loss.
Carol has navigated much of her grief publicly, as her son Gary was a beloved former Premier League player who significantly impacted Welsh football.
Since his death in 2011, Speed has been commemorated in various ways, from street murals to songs sung by fans. Recently, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) established a tournament in his honor—the Cwpan Gary Speed, or Gary Speed Cup.
The tournament's inaugural match took place in Colwyn Bay, just a short distance from Speed's childhood home in Flintshire.
"I can't believe that after 14 years, people still talk about him and the impact he made," Carol shared. "It's a huge honor for Gary, and I am very proud. People often discuss not just his football accomplishments but the kind of person he was. He was wonderful, and we miss him dearly."
As a mother, Carol treasures the tributes to her son's character more than his athletic achievements.
Amid the poignant atmosphere on a sunlit evening in Colwyn Bay, laughter and smiles emerge as Speed's friends and former teammates share their cherished memories of the man they affectionately called 'Speedo.'
Among the attendees are former Wales captains Kevin Ratcliffe and Craig Bellamy, who now serves as the national team's head coach. Several of Speed's former youth teammates are present, including Cledwyn Ashford, who coached him over 50 years ago.
"It's an emotional night. I remember the day we learned of Gary's death; it shattered my heart," Ashford recalled, his eyes welling with tears. "He was a remarkable individual. I think back to that nine-year-old boy who played for me at Deeside Primary Schools, showcasing not just his talent as a footballer but also his kindness as a person."
"We have five players from the 1980-81 schools team here with us. Three others from that team have passed away, which adds a bittersweet note to this gathering. However, it’s a beautiful occasion to honor their memories, including Gary's. Even at such a young age, it was evident he would become a great role model. His smile was unforgettable, and if you look at Carol, you see that same smile."
'I think about those feelings every day'
As Ashford and Bellamy pose for photographs with local schoolchildren, Wales Under-16 players warm up for their match against Japan in the Gary Speed Cup.
Head coach Adrian Harvie finds special meaning in leading his team in this tournament, held in memory of someone who made a significant impact.
Harvie knows the pain of loss, having lost his daughter Emilia to the rare Alexander disease in September 2019 when she was just eight years old. "I think about those feelings every day. I live with that, as many others do," he said. "I strive to be defined not by my daughter's death, but by how I cope with it and how I continue to move forward. It's an ongoing battle that I am winning."
"Many people around the world face similar traumas, and everyone copes in their own way. It's heartwarming that Gary is remembered so fondly, and this tournament enhances that legacy. I feel privileged to be a part of it."
Wales faced Japan and lost in a penalty shootout. After defeating Gibraltar, they ultimately lost to Northern Ireland, who emerged victorious in the inaugural Cwpan Gary Speed.
In a developmental tournament like this, results are secondary. Harvie emphasized, "The tournament is primarily about Gary and ensuring we pay tribute to such a wonderful human being. Secondly, it's about the players, ensuring they perform well, learn from the experience, and enjoy themselves. While I may reflect on my role, this event is fundamentally about Gary and his legacy."
For Harvie, singing the national anthem is always a special moment, despite being born in England and now feeling honorary Welsh. Carol Speed stands nearby, having met both teams and received flowers, which she holds close as the anthems play.
Her son changed the trajectory of Welsh football, and this tournament will honor his memory for years to come. "It's incredible that people still remember him and continue to do things like this," Carol reflected. "We always thought he was wonderful, but so did everyone else. We didn't fully realize that until after he passed. He's been honored with a housing estate, a park, and now a football tournament named after him. I am immensely proud of him."
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