FOOTBALLERS looking to share a pitch with a former Middlesbrough player and raise money for charity at the same time are being urged to sign up for an annual tournament.

Justice First has organised a 24-team five-a-side competition to raise vital funds while at the same time promoting the work that the charity carries out.

And to get the ball rolling for the tenth anniversary of the organisation, Hartlepool United first team coach and Justice First patron, Curtis Fleming, will be on hand to show support for the charity which supports asylum seekers across the Teesside area.

Pete Widlinski, the charity’s communication manager, said: “When you first set something up like this you are never sure how long it is going to last for. As with all things in the voluntary sector it depends on available funding, so we spend a lot of time fundraising and applying for funds from charitable trusts, but that’s just the nature of the game.

"To keep the organisation going for ten years I think is fantastic. This will be our fifth international football tournament, and we have developed a really good partnership with Middlesbrough Council who is funding a lot of the costs this year through their Active Sports programme.”

However, he said the tournament was more than just a fundraiser and that raising the charities profile was a huge part of the event.

“Getting the work we do into the community gives us that higher profile and helps us with fundraising, particularly with individual donations. Any public exposure that we get is good and of course there’s no better way of doing it than with football, it’s an international language," he added.

"We are hoping for 24 teams this year, four up on last year that included two women players. It would be absolutely fantastic if we had some women’s teams this year.”

Former Middlesbrough and Republic of Ireland defender, Fleming said: "I am looking forward to seeing lots of people on May 14. It will be a great day to have some fun, play some competitive football and raise money for a very worthwhile cause.”

The tournament will be taking place at Goals Soccer Centre, Middlesbrough, between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, May 14.

For more information or to register a team call Justice First on 01642-601122.