Football tournament to offer Pompey Trust funds boost

Part of the crowd: The News' Mark McMahon is set to earn a cap at the Pitch Invasion six-a-sides

Pitch Invasion are organising a six-a-side tournament on Monday, April 8 (from 7pm).

All proceeds from the Mountbatten Centre event will go towards the Trust in their ongoing attempt to buy and then run the Blues.

In addition, caretaker boss Guy Whittingham will be there on the night to present the cup and trophies to winners.

A number of local companies, clubs, pubs and organisations have already registered for the tournament.

Among them are teams from The News, Express FM, Taylor Cocks Accounting, South Downs College, Dove Travel and the Snows Group.

Sides have until Wednesday, April 3 at 10pm to enter and the Trust are hoping for more teams to come forward for the inaugural event.

Colin Farmery, from the Trust, said: ‘We are delighted Guy Whittingham has found some time in his busy schedule to support this event.

‘We hope it will raise a significant sum for Trust funds as well as giving footballers in Portsmouth the chance to have a great evening of entertainment.

‘This is the first time we have tried anything like this and we are very grateful for the fantastic support Pitch Invasion have given us.

‘If it is a success we would like to think it could become an annual fixture locally.

‘From a personal perspective, I’m involved in a team of Pompey bloggers, but given the fact I have now retired from competitive football, I am making a financial contribution to instead ensure a young, fit and talented player will play in my name!’

Teams will be placed into groups of four, playing their three rivals in 12-minute matches. The winners will then go through to the knockout stage.

Squads of up to nine players are allowed, with teams charged £60 to enter.

There will be trophies handed out to the winners and runners-up, with Whittingham carrying out the duties.

Spectators are welcome with no charge for admission, although a collecting box will be available for donations to the Trust. Both the bar and the cafe will be open.

For more information, contact Christopher Parsons on 01273 377268 or [email protected]

Alternately, visit the Facebook site at http://tinyurl.com/b8zm2xu