KIDS from deprived backgrounds are getting the chance to play soccer against TV All Stars. A tournament for youngsters in the five Olympic host’ boroughs in East London is being organised to become their own heroes’ for their neighbourhood

By Mike Brooke

KIDS from deprived backgrounds are getting the chance to play soccer against TV All Stars.

A tournament for youngsters in the five Olympic 'host' boroughs in East London is being organised to become their own 'heroes' for their neighbourhood.

The 'Tribute 2 a Legend' Trust in memory of West Ham's Bobby Moor is offering 100 teenagers who have educational, social and economic disadvantages a chance to live their 'dream' and play in a top-ranking celebrity soccer match.

The youngsters spend a weekend in a top hotel and play in front of a huge crowd against stars from TV soaps such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks who regularly play for the All Stars when their schedules permit.

"Not every teenager who dreams of scoring their team's winning goal at Wembley gets that glory," said a trust spokesman. "But our objectives are to give kids less fortunate than most a chance to find their own talents. We want them to be their own heroes."

A squad of 20 youngsters will be picked from each borough to form a team which in turn plays the All Stars team. The teams that beat the celebrities have a 'play off' to see who takes on the All Stars for the 'Tribute 2 a Legend' cup final.

Schoolkids aged 13 to 17 who and live in the Olympic 'host' boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Waltham Forest or Greenwich, can be nominated online at the Tribute 2 a Legend website by parents, social welfare or school.