This five-a-side football tournament for children is in two age groups, eight and unders and ten and unders, with a trophy for the winners of each league.

The venue is Rose Green Junior School in Bognor Regis from 2pm until 6pm and there will be plenty of sideshows to add to the fun.

The Footie Fest is the brainchild of Fiona Rhodes and Susan Watson from Girlguiding Bognor Regis West Rangers, the 'big sisters' of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

These young women are planning to go to India next year with other members of their group and decided to organise the tournament to help raise funds for their trip after talking to football enthusiasts who felt sure there would be lots of support for a festival of this kind.

"We wanted to do something that would involve children in having a good time as well as bringing in some much needed funds for our adventure" explained Fiona.

"There will be four seven- minute football games taking place at a time and lots of other attractions such as a bouncy castle, face painting and competitions to win for the children and a refreshment tent for the adults.

"It's open to any teams of five children in the age groups who want to play, whether they're serious about winning or just want to have fun."

Susan added: "Experienced football event organisers are helping us to do this right as we don't want anyone to feel let down.

"We're engaging lots of officials to referee and keep score to ensure fair play and have asked a local celebrity to present the trophies."

The Rangers are planning to go to India in November 2009 and stay at Sangam, the Girl Guide World Centre in Pune, for ten days to take part in a community service project to help local schools.

They will then go on to see some of the famous landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and get a taste of the life in this vast and varied country.
To take part in the Bognor West Footie Fest, email
bognor_west_footie_fest@yahoo.co.uk or phone 077591445643.

The cost of entry is £25 per team and it's free to all spectators.