Isle of Dogs venue putting on women’s football tournament on Friday night to help raise funds for charity

Powerleague Docklands are raising funds for Children in Need tomorrow (Friday) and looking to promote women’s football at the same time.

Richard Webster, club manager at the Isle of Dogs venue, has partnered up with an official from the London FA to draw up a five-a-side tournament including 19 teams.

Each side is made up of women only with entry free at the Selsdon Way, London, E14 9GL base and the food and drink revenue set to go towards Children in Need.

“I have done a few things for charity before and arranging an event like this was something our company wanted to do,” said Webster.

“The plan was to do it across all branches. I know that hasn’t been possible, but we’ve managed it at Powerleague Docklands.

“I had something in mind that would include women’s football because I used to coach a women’s team. Hopefully it can give even more exposure to the women’s game and also raise money for Children in Need.

“It will be good for our business too because we may get future bookings because of this event, but fundamentally it will give money to charity and gets more women involved in football.”

The 19 teams all had to pay £30 to enter the competition with the winners set to receive a trophy and medals.

All of that money, apart from the referee expenses, will go towards Children in Need along with funds raised through the hot food and drinks available to purchase on Friday.

Powerleague Docklands women’s tournament will start at 6.30pm and run until approximately 10pm with a presentation afterwards.

Crossharbour is the nearest train station and the 19 teams will be placed into groups before a knock-out phase.

There will be three groups of five sides and one group of four before quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final played.

Powerleague Docklands is located at the top of City Harbour National Car Park and is surrounded by floodlights.