The finalists from the 2024 Estates Cash Cup competition with organisers at the Paddington Recreation Ground in Westminster

THE countdown to kick-off is on after organisers behind a youth football competition in which goals could win players big money confirmed this week that plans to bring the popular showpiece back this summer are now officially underway.

There were fears that the London Estates Cash Cup had been shown the red card just six months ago when Charlie Browne from 2 Touch Rulz (2TR) Football announced that he was unable to hold the event again without some much-needed financial support.

However, the free-to-enter competition was saved after an appeal in the New Journal led to mysterious benefactors stepping forward to stump up £4,000 in prize money. And with another £14,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund having also now landed in the 2TR bank account, it’s all systems go for the 2025 London Estates Cash Cup.

Revealing some of the difficulties behind the scenes, Charlie explained how the bulk of the £18,000 needed to run the four-a-side tournament came via the National Lottery Community Fund, adding that in the past he and fellow organiser Christian Rule have joined forces to put in £4,000 “straight out of their own pockets” to ensure the prize money.

He said: “Each of the winning teams in four different age groups get £1,000 to share between their players.

“It’s important to us that we give the young people a chance to win some serious money, money that some of the players have told me they have taken home to help their families.

“For other players, having that added incentive of being able to win cash is what has attracted them to take part in the competition, and that in turn is what has given us the opportunity to work with them, and help teach them the power of teamwork both on and off the pitch.

“But £4,000 is a lot of money to us, and we couldn’t afford to keep putting that kind of money in every time we wanted to organise the tournament. So for all intents and purposes, our days of running the London Estates Cash Cup were over.”

That was until the generosity of others and the continued support of the National Lottery Community Fund stepped in to save the day. The London Estates Cash Cup will now once again be inviting ballers from across the capital to show-off their skills – and more importantly their teamwork – in June and July in the hope of landing £1,000.

“Ah man, I’m still having ‘pinch me’ moments, I can’t believe we’ve received so much support and are getting to hold the tournament again,” beamed Charlie, who lives in Holloway.

“Again, I want to thank the wonderful people, a married couple, who are helping us with the prize money.

“And this year we received more money from the National Lottery Community Fund so we’re going to make the London Estates Cash Cup bigger and better than ever before, and get even more young people involved.

“Now that the funding has been secured, the next step involves me jumping on my bike and cycling around to all the MUGAs (multi-use games area) that we’ve used in the past, not to mention a few new ones, to see if they are still there and available this summer.

“We want to hold 16 heats across London throughout June, and then in July the grand finals will be held in Westminster again. It’s going to be fantastic.”

More than 300 youngsters signed up to take part in the London Estates Cash Cup last summer.

The on-pitch action demands “teamwork and mental maturity” with players being restricted to just two touches. There is no goalkeeper, and parts of each goal are protected by panels – so sharpshooters have to display pinpoint accuracy when trying to find the back of the net.

Explaining the importance behind the rules, Charlie 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.

“We discuss with all the players before and afterwards how these are vital life skills. We want these young people to go back home into their local communities and think about, and understand, how important it is to work together and support each other, just like they do when they’re on the football pitch.”

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