Players who have been practising at the Whittington Estate sports pitch

WHAT promises to be “the best and biggest” London Estates Cash Cup so far is just weeks away, and there’s still time for young footballers to sign up for the free-to-enter competition.

The tournament, in which goals could win players big money, returns to pitches across the capital from Monday, June 9, when a series of teamwork-testing heats get underway.

And the good news is, thanks to the generosity of some of our readers, the showpiece is now able to introduce an Under-12s girls-only division to celebrate this summer’s Women’s Euro Championships.

The news marks a major change in fortunes for the four-a-side event, which was on the brink of being shown the red card less than 12 months ago as organisers pleaded for much-needed financial support.

Charlie Browne, who founded 2 Touch Rulz (2TR) Football, which hosts the competition, explained: “It costs us about £18,000 to run the London Estates Cash Cup, the bulk of which, around £14,000, comes from the National Lottery Community Fund.

“Each of the winning teams in four different age groups get £1,000 in prize money to share between their players, which myself and fellow organiser Christian Rule have put in straight out of our own pockets.

Matt Keogh, who donated £1,000 to the London Estates Cash Cup, with 2 Touch Rulz (2TR) Football founder Charlie Browne

“That’s a lot of money, so last summer I announced that we wouldn’t be running the tournament again unless we could find some financial help from somewhere. The journey was over.

“That’s when, thanks to an appeal in the New Journal, the generosity of others stepped in to save the day.

“A married couple who wish to remain anonymous came forward and donated £4,000 to cover the prize money. And then another individual, Matt Keogh, also got in touch to offer another £1,000, which has allowed us to introduce a new Under-12s division for girls only.

“We’ve always had girls taking part in the competition in mixed teams, but now we have the resources to be able to go a step further and host a cup, with £1,000 up for grabs for the winners, just for the girls.

“It’s fantastic news, and the perfect way to celebrate this summer’s Women’s Euros.”

Offering a brief insight into the two-touch game, Charlie, who lives in Holloway, Islington, said: “By restricting players to two touches they quickly start to understand that they have to work together to achieve their goal.

“They learn not only the importance of supporting their teammates, but also in letting their teammates support them. You can’t think as an individual – you have to work, think and act together, as a team. It’s all about that unity.”

• Anyone interested in taking part in the 2025 Estates Cash Cup can visit www.2trfootball.com or email info@2trfootball.com