A FOOTBALL stadium is to become a field of dreams for all aspiring Jimmy Floyd Hasselbainks or Gareth Southgates.

Supporters of Middlesbrough Football Club will get the chance to put on their club strip and boots and run out of the tunnel onto the hallowed turf.

There is an open invitation to play in a dream match at the Riverside Stadium to raise funds for Teesside Hospice and diabetes research.

The Football Aid charity is inviting fans from all over the country to host fundraising events with the aim of playing in an officially-regulated match on the grounds of their favourite clubs.

The UK's top clubs will host more than 40 events when the fifth year of the Live the Dream experience gets under way next year.

Places are limited for the match at the Riverside on May 1 and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

More than 6,000 fans across the world have already taken part in the scheme, raising thousands for diabetes research and club charities.

There is a tradition of former Boro stars captaining the teams, with next year's captains still to be announced.

Proceeds from the match will be split between Teesside Hospice and diabetes research.

Football Aid patron Sir Bobby Robson said: "Whatever team you support, if you've spent your Saturdays in the stands dreaming of scoring that winning goal, there can be no greater rush than running through the tunnel to grace your turf alongside club legends."

To apply, log onto the Football Aid website, www.footballaid.com