A FOOTBALL festival is being held for hundreds of children in the borough to raise money for a youth football club.

The Little Thurrock Dynamos football club and Dimension Community are host a weekend festival and football tournament at the Lakeside Football Ground in Arterial Road, North Stifford on Saturday July 14 and Sunday July 15.

The “fun filled” weekend of sport and fun is being opened to families, neighbours and businesses from across the borough to raise money for the Dynamos and good causes in the area.

The football tournament will see 500 children take part from a range of age groups both days.

Paul Farr-Green, Chafford Hundred, said this is first time he’s organised anything of this size.

He said: “I’m an under-10’s football coach and see how expensive the sport is becoming for families.

“I do my part for local charities as a businessman, but I really wanted to step it up this year – who knows, this could be something that takes place each year.

“We’re constantly seeing all the horror stories about our local area – but few things that are simply there to be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

“I also want to help support local businesses, so if you think you could help and want to get involved in making the weekend as successful as possible, I would love to hear from you.”

Mr Farr-Green, a huge West Ham fan and coach of the Little Thurrock Dynamos’ under ten side is also quietly confident that another huge event can be added to the festival on the Sunday.

He added: “Obviously, I have high hopes for England and the World Cup Final – so things may wrap up a little quicker on the Sunday, but if people still want to sit and enjoy, we have a club house onsite who have a TV and speakers.”

The event will be held completely not for profit.

Mr Farr-Green has pledged that all the money raised from the football festival will go towards supporting youth football in Thurrock.

A bouncy castle, games, and a host of stalls will be available for parents, children and visitors to enjoy throughout the weekend.

Included in the events will be a penalty shoot out for the visitors as well as inflatables, bungee jump, a climbing wall, arts and crafts and there will also be a Fortnite stall on offer.

A raffle will be held at the festival also with a host of prizes that can be won by the visitors over the weekend.

Refreshments will also be on offer for visitors throughout the day, with a fully licensed bar for the adults, and an ice cream van, pop corn and candy floss for the children.

The event will be held from 10am to 4pm on both days.

Mr Farr-Green is still accepting donations and stall holders, if you are interested, you should email Paul.Farrgreen@me.com