Chance for youngsters to play at Upton Park

Former Hammer George Parris is again helping to organise a mini-soccer tournament for youngsters on the Upton Park pitch in the summer.

Last year's inaugural event was a great success, with teams from nine counties and one from Ireland participating in the tournaments, and another group of youngsters will again be getting the chance to play at Upton Park this year.

The competition format will be the same as before, essentially small sided football rules (7-a-side matches - max 10 players per squad). The tournament dates are as follows :

Under 12s - Monday 28th May (9.30am to 1.30pm)
Under 10s - Monday 28th May (2.00pm to 6.00pm)
Under 9s - Tuesday 29th May (9.30am to 1.30pm)
Under 11s - Tuesday 29th May (2.00pm to 6.00pm)

George will host the day and there will be trophies and medals for the winners and runners-up of each competition, plus certificates for all who take part. All participants will also have the opportunity to visit the dressing room areas.

The intention is to again use this opportunity to raise money for The Great Ormond Street Hospital. Over £1,400 was raised in the raffle at last year's event.

The tournaments will again be affiliated with the Essex FA and give many of the boys a possible "once in a lifetime" opportunity to enjoy the experience of playing at the famous stadium.

Clubs interested in taking part in next year's event should contact Jeff Garner via e-mail on [email protected] or telephone 07941 877570 for further details.