THE next charity football fixture between Whitchurch and Overton has been organised.

After the success of last year’s match between the two rivals, the rematch will be taking place on April 28 in the second round of the Rotten Hill Cup.

Last year, the first event featuring the clash of Whitchurch United and Overton United took place to raise money for charities with teams consisting of over 40s.

This year, there is a new twist on the formula as there will be a youth match before the main event.

The teams from both Whitchurch and Overton will both be putting forward under-13s teams.

Jo Cowmeadow, one of the event organisers, said: “More people are getting involved, and it is really quite good, we’re glad to be getting younger people involved and we’ve still got people joining in.”

In accordance to the rules of the event, as last year the match was held in Whitchurch, this year it will be held in Overton, in Bridge Street.

Mr Cowmeadow added: “We are hoping for good weather like we had last year, and we are hoping to make this an annual event.

“Although next year, we are hoping to have the matches on the Bank Holiday weekend again.”

The match is to raise funds for local causes and though some of the money goes back to the club’s themselves, at least a quarter of the amount raised will be given to local charities.

Last year, the total of £3,500 raised was split with half going to hosts Whitchurch, 25 per cent going to Overton and the rest being split between two charities with an influence in both areas.

This year, hosts Overton will be on the receiving end of the 50 per cent, and Whitchurch will be getting a quarter of the proceeds. Returning as one of the charity beneficiaries is the Kingfisher Day Centre, located between both Whitchurch and Overton.

The other cause this year is the Lordsfield Swimming Club, a volunteer-run club in Overton, which has recently had its budget slashed by cuts.

Mr Cowmeadow added: “They could use a bit more support, and they are struggling at the moment.”

Overton is looking to take the crown from Whitchurch in the match at the end of April, after Whitchurch won 2-0 last year.