RIVALS Whitchurch and Overton will go head-to-head in a new kind of football match for the over 40s, all for charity.

The Rotten Hill Cup will be played on Sunday, April 30, between two teams from Whitchurch and Overton, made up of locals more than 40 years old.

The name of the event was inspired by the colloquial name of the ground between Whitchurch and Overton, known as Rotten Hill, halfway between the two places.

The idea came aboutthrough the desire for fundraising activities in the local area, and the thought of a charity football match was proposed.

Jo Cowmeadow, one of the organisers, said: “We wanted to make it a bit different as opposed to just going to watch Whitchurch United or Overton United play.

“This way, it adds a bit of fun to the proceedings and is makes it more inclusive, so that more people who aren’t professionals can take part.”

Proceeds from the tickets and any other funds that are generated from the event will be split between Whitchurch United Football Club, Overton United Football Club and a local charity that will be between Whitchurch and Overton, that is yet to be decided.

Mr Cowmeadow added: “The warm-up matches that have been played so far have been a laugh, which adds to the fun.

“I think that it will be a unique experience for everyone.

“It is our hope that after this first event, it will be a hit so that it can become an annual event. If that happens, we can swap with Overton every year and alternate where the match is played.

“We’ve had some great feedback so far and really hope that people enjoy it.”

The game will be played on Sunday, April 30, at the Longmeadow Sports Ground in Whitchurch.

Gates open at 2pm for a 3pm kick off, with music and a disco in the evening. A barbecue will be on site and refreshments will be available all day.

Tickets cost £5 for an adult, and £1 for children. Tickets are available for purchase on the day of the event and through WUFCfundraising@ gmail.com and rottenhillcup@ outlook.com