Charity football tournament will see companies go head to head to help dogs in need of rescue

Dogs in need are set to benefit from the five-a-side event on May 23 at Roko in Hilsea, which already has teams signed up from Portsmouth City Council, Comserv, Mountjoy, Purkiss, Workshop and more.

Animal lover Teresa Flecknell is the brains behind the tournament, aiming to raise much-needed funds for Silver Fox Dog Rescue, a group of volunteers who rescue puppies and dogs from the UK, Europe and China.

Teresa, who adopted her dog Layla from the charity, said: ‘I think it will be a great day, and a little healthy rivalry among companies doesn’t hurt, and it will raise money to help the charity rescue more vulnerable and abused puppies and dogs.’

Teresa, who works for Comserv, said her son came up with the idea for the tournament in a passing conversation, and she decided to run with it.

‘I started with just local contractors and suppliers that Comserv deal with but I have gotten more ambitious and decided to open it up to all local trades and suppliers,’ said the mum-of-two.

‘This has involved countless emails, posters being put up in various places and walking the streets in the rain to deliver flyers - not that my dogs minded the extra walks.’

Teresa is going to great lengths to fundraise for the charity, and is set to also take on Mount Kilimanjaro, which she will be climbing in September.

Marjorie Rigby, founder of Silver Fox Dog Rescue, said: ‘We are delighted for Teresa's support. Teresa is amazing and is helping raise much-needed funds for us.

‘Without the dedication of Teresa and our supporters we would not be able to help so many little ones to a new and healthy life.

‘Last year we rehomed 432 dogs, the vast majority who needed spay, dental and many more complex operations by specialist vets.’

To enter a team in the tournament, the cost is £85 and players can be made up of friends and family but must represent a company. For more details, contact Teresa on 02392 457132.