A FOOTBALL match between soldiers from Wimbish and players at Barnston AFC will be the focus of a club day to raise funds for the Help for Heroes charity.

This Saturday, organisers are hoping to raise in excess of �1,500 as well as help raise the profile of the important charity as they host a day for the whole family.

Peter Toms is leading a sub-committee at the club to help organise the event. “All this is totally organised to raise money for the wounded servicemen and women of our armed forces of which we are all so proud of,” he said.

“Barnston AFC will entertain with a friendly against 33 and 101 Engineer Regiment from Carver Barracks, named Wimbish Station FC, and on the day there will be, barbeques, grand raffles, a bouncy castle, ice cream vans, the Dunmow Majorettes and army vehicles on static display. Entry is free.”

Money will be raised through the events held on the day and the club is hoping to top the �1,000 raised last year through a charity match against Dunmow Vets.

Barnston AFC first team manager Leighton Williams said: “Last year the idea was put together very quickly, over two months or so, so the club did well to raise so much money with very little advertising and sponsorship.

“Ideally I would like to think that if the weather is good, then there is no reason why we couldn’t hit �1,500.00 or more this year. The 16 players that we intend to use will be paying �20 minimum per player to play, and there will be a large raffle, and collection tins/jars.”

The day kicks off just after midday and the match starts at 3pm at High Easter Road, Barnston. Parking is free but the club would like people to think sensibly about where they park.