CAN YOU KICK IT? FOOTBALL LEGENDS CHALLENGE FANS IN 5-A-SIDE CHARITY CUP
Monday, 12 May 2008.
With England missing out on the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship fans will be looking for another way to get their fix of the beautiful game this summer. CLIC Sargent – the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity – is offering fans a different competition to focus their attention on this July and a dream opportunity to play against a team of ex-England international footballers in the ‘Legends Charity Cup’ five-a-side tournament.
Five-a-side teams from across England will compete to win a place at the final to play against a team of true football legends led by ex-England and Newcastle star Rob Lee. Joining Rob in the ‘Legends’ team, will be ex-Arsenal stars Ray Parlour and Nigel Winterburn, shot-stopper and fans’ favourite goalkeeper David Beasant, and charismatic ex-manager and player Peter Reid. The Legends are experienced, world-class players who between them have played for England 48 times and won an impressive 22 major trophies.
The ‘Legends Charity Cup’ is open to any five-a-side team in the UK and regional heats will take place on Sunday 6th July to determine which 16 teams make it through to the final. The heats will be mini local derbys where neighbours, friends and workmates battle it out on the pitch for the chance to play against the Legends. The successful teams will take to the lush green turf of Bisham Abbey – England’s former training ground – on Sunday 27th July for the final.
The team which raises the most money at each regional heat, and two squads with the most imaginative names, will also get the opportunity to test their dribbling and goal-scoring skills against the Legends at Bisham Abbey.
Danny Burke, CLIC Sargent’s National Football Events Manager, is keen for as many teams as possible to take part in the event. He said: “This year’s ‘Legends Charity Cup’ is bigger and better than ever before - to play against five ex-England internationals is a dream for any football fan! Any five-a-side team can enter, so if you fancy your chances against our Legends, pick your squad and register on our website.”
Captain of CLIC Sargent’s Legends team Rob Lee adds: “Taking part in the Legends Charity Cup is a fun and active way to help raise thousands for children and young people with cancer. So start practising your set pieces and penalties and you could be facing our Legends team on 27th July.”
All money raised from the Legends Charity Cup will go directly to help children and young people with cancer, and their families. Teams, consisting of five players and two substitutes, will be asked to pay £50 to register and raise a minimum of £250 in sponsorship – which works out as only £35 each. Teams will also have the chance to win a signed England shirt.
To find out more about the 2008 Legends Charity Cup, or register your team visit www.clicsargent.org.uk/football or telephone 08451 20 22 32.