Exeter City football community to remember Delvin, 13

A special memorial football tournament will take place this month in honour of Delvin Musakwa, a 13-year-old boy whose tragic death in the Exeter Canal earlier this year deeply affected the local community.

The Delvin Memorial Cup 2025 will be held on Wednesday 25 June at Exeter City Football Club’s Cliff Hill Training Ground, bringing together three teams: Exeter Regional Talent Centre, Exeter City FC Academy, and Delvin’s own team, Heavitree Youth FC.

The tournament is a tribute to Delvin’s love of football and the impact he made on teammates, coaches and friends. Each team will play each other once, with the top two progressing to a final. The winning team will be presented with the cup by Delvin’s mother, Cecelia Chipiri.

Delvin, who was a student at St Luke’s Church of England School, died on 5 May July 2025 after emergency services were called to reports of a person in difficulty in the canal near Salmonpool Lane.

His death prompted an outpouring of grief, with tributes highlighting his kind nature and talent on the pitch.

Arran Pugh, Exeter City Academy Director, said: “This tragic event was a huge shock to us all. Delvin was a bright and committed young player for Heavitree FC and he was friends with a number of our Academy players.

This memorial cup gives us all a chance to come together in his memory and celebrate one of the things he loved – playing football.”

The tournament also aims to raise awareness of water safety, following Delvin’s death. Exeter City coaches have since reminded players and families of the risks of open water, sharing guidance from the Royal Life Saving Society’s summer safety campaign.

The event is open to all and will kick off at 6.30pm on Wednesday 25 June.

A fundraiser has also been launched to support Delvin’s family. Donations can be made online: here.