Preview: Aspire Football Tournament

Dean Nicholas
By Dean Nicholas Last edited 186 months ago
Preview: Aspire Football Tournament
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Has the return of the football season and England's phoenix-like rise from ashes of Steve McClaren's incompetence inspired you to lace those aging leather boots up again? If so, you're in luck. Saturday, 27th September will see the Aspire Five-A-Side Football Tournament kick off at Westway Sports Centre in west London.

Now in its second year, the tournament raises money for Aspire, the charity wing of the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore. It's the brainchild of Richard Clarke, who benefited himself from Aspire's work when he was injured following a climbing mishap in 2007.

The tournament is a 16-team knockout-style affair. Entry fee is £50 per team, with all funds going to Aspire - if you can assemble five players plus two subs, that works out at a mere £7 per person. Games will last fifteen minutes, and each team will be guaranteed at least three games. And just to stoke those competitive juices a little bit more, there's a fine trophy waiting for the winning team to collect at the end, ready to be doffed and danced with like Nobby Stiles in his pomp.

So get your team together, coin a catchy name, and dream up a clever goal celebration for when you score that last-minute winner in the final. For more details, and to confirm your team's entry, contact Richard Clarke on 07811 350 994, or email him: richard.clarke@emimusic.com

The Aspire Five-A-Side Football Tournament kicks off at 2pm at the Westway Sports Centre, W10 (map). Nearest tube Latimer Road. Entry is £50 per team, and spectators are welcome. More information on the tournament's Facebook page.

Picture from the 2007 tournament courtesy of Heloise Clarke

Last Updated 16 September 2008