PORTLAND United’s Grove Corner ground will host a special football event next weekend in aid of two worthwhile causes.

The Southweld Charity Day, on Sunday, August 9, is being held to raise funds for Weldmar Hospicecare and the children’s neurosurgery ward at University Hospital Southampton.

Jason and Michelle Wellman are organising the day, which will have plenty on offer for all the family to enjoy.

As well as matches involving teams from the Weymouth Sunday League, the event is set to feature a number of stalls, including a tombola, Dorset Dreamers Parties, crafts, face painting and a bouncy castle.

Refreshments will be available and a penalty shoot-out for youngsters is due to take place between the two football matches.

Sunday League winners Kings Arms face a Keith Sharp XI at 11am, and then the Famous Old Spa, winners of the Len Mahoney Cup last season, take on a Lee Rockingham XI at 1.30pm.

“Me and my husband have been part of the Weymouth Sunday League for many years now, starting with helping to run a team and then in the last few years running our own team, Moby Dick’s (known as The Gloucester from next season),” said Michelle.

“Last season I was voted in as chairman of the league and Jason as vice-chairman, continuing into next season.

“We usually have a charity game each year but this year Jason decided to plan something bigger and better to try and raise as much money as we can for the charities.

“We thought it would be good to make it a family fun day as well as a couple of football matches, so we decided the two charities we would raise money for this year would be Weldmar, as they help so many people around Dorset and rely mostly on fundraising, and Southampton’s children’s neurosurgery ward.

“Our daughter India was rushed there when she was three months old suffering with hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain) and she had to have a shunt fitted to drain the fluid.

“Also, in October 2013 she had been suffering with headaches for a few days when she went into respiratory arrest following her shunt fracturing and so got taken to Southampton where she had to have life-saving surgery which she has now recovered from.

“We are so grateful to all the team in Southampton and wanted to give them something back and raise money for the ward she was on.

“So please everyone, come to our charity event and support these worthwhile charities.

“If this year is a success we are hoping to make this an annual event.”

If anyone would like to donate any prizes for the raffle or tombola, call the Wellmans on 07825046120/ 07825045931 or email mwellman9@googlemail.com

C & S Locksmiths Limited and Qwikfast Trade and DIY Supplies are acting as the main sponsors, while Kevin the Plumber and Coversure Insurance will sponsor the match balls.

Richardson Plumbing and Heating are sponsoring the half-time player refreshments, Stylish Stitches have agreed to supply event t-shirts, while A Maiden Rest Bed and Breakfast are among those to donate prizes.

Gates open at 10.30am and entry is £3 for adults but free for children.