Friends of murder victim Jason Smith will be holding their annual Live Free Football Tournament in his name on Saturday, July 9.

According to the organisers, the event, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary, has already met the goal that was set in 2011, shortly after Mr Smith was killed.

“Jason’s parents, Mr and Mrs Smith, have attended the event since inception and it is seeing the smiles on their faces that have made it all worth it,” they said in a statement.

Mr Smith, a former Saltus Grammar School student, was 22 when he was gunned down on Overview Hill, Pembroke, in May 2011. He was described by police as a “normal, decent” young man with no gang affiliations or involvement in criminality.

“Each of our lives transformed that day and as we worked through our grief, anger and many questions, we all agreed that we had to honour his memory and celebrate his life,” stated the group.

“We’ve had four successful tournaments since 2012; in the first couple of years we had 16 teams with 160 players to more recently 20 teams with over 240 players.

“In addition, since 2011, we’ve given a scholarship to a Saltus graduate and donated funds to charities such as, Big Brothers Big Sisters.”

The Jason Smith Live Free Award recognises a student who has contributed to SGY life through sport, good humour, positive attitude and kind spirit. The 2016 recipient is Matthew DeFrias.

Anyone interested in entering a team in the tournament, at Saltus Field, should e-mail livefreejay@gmail.com.

Registration closes on Friday, spaces are limited and spots are reserved on a first come, first served basis.

Entry fee is $40 per player which includes a jersey, water bottle and bag. Players must be 16 years or older and teams must have a minimum of seven players.