A WORLD Cup-themed tournament for young footballers is only weeks away.

The 32 competitive countries in Brazil will be represented by six-a-side teams which enter the Football Fiesta on Sunday, July 6.

Three neighbouring schools in Laverstock - Wyvern College, St Edmund’s and St Joseph’s - are hosting the one-off event.

Boys, girls and mixed teams from under eights to 15s can enter the tournament. Each side will be chosen randomly to represent one of the participant countries.

The Salisbury Rotary and Chamber Community Group began preparations in January, which has proved difficult at times, according to organiser Barry Webb, pictured right.

“We set our sights on several dozen clubs entering the tournament,” said Mr Webb.

“Initially the entry rate has been slow but it seems that youth football clubs tend to leave it late to enter in view of other tournaments taking place, and in order to know which youngsters will be available on a given date. We can still accommodate more entries so please use the entry form in the Journal.”

“Organising the tournament has proved challenging not least because of the logistics and the need, in particular, for effective traffic management around the venue. The whole team that has been pulling it together has been excellent.”

Money raised will be shared between Lucy’s Days Out, The Trussell Trust and other charities backed by the rotary.

Visit www.salisburyrccg.co.uk for more information. Turn to pages 22 and 23 to see the full spread.