The Football Association has announced plans for an initiative to get people playing football ahead of this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
The FA’s weekend of football celebrations on 6-7 June – which they are calling ‘Reds v Blues’ - offers people of all ages and abilities the chance to sign up and play for either a blue or red team.
The games can be in any format the players wish, from garden kickabouts to organised 5-a-side and 11-a-side matches. Scores from all the matches will be combined to create an overall final score at the end of the day.
Former Bolton Wanderers and England Under-21 footballer, Fabrice Muamba will be joined by ex-semi-professional player and TV presenter Mark Wright, as team captains for the Reds and Blues, and they are encouraging people to sign up.
Muamba, who retired from football after a cardiac arrest on the pitch in March 2012 said: “Football is a game I love but am no longer able to take part. It is really important for me to spread the word that people should cherish their opportunity to play.
FA Chairman Greg Dyke said: “The most important thing is to get a ball, find some mates and just have a go.”
On 6 June, the FA will be organising Reds v Blues tournaments at 5-a-side venues Power League, Play Football and Goals before encouraging players to hold their own Reds v Blues matches the following day.
The weekend forms part of the FA’s Love Football Play Football initiative – click here for more details: TheFA.com/lovefootball
