The detailed planning for the Friendship Football Tournament - to be held between July 20-22 at the Denplan City Ground in Hillier Way - is now in full swing.

The tournament, which is aimed at growing support for the Laon and Giessen Twinning Associations; the Denplan chosen charity, Dentaid, which provides much needed oral hygiene and dental service to the Third World, and Winchester City Football Club, will feature games between Winchester City; TS Giessen-Wieseck and Union Sportive Laon.

Additionally, there will be a game between Denplan and a team drawn from all three competing teams on Saturday afternoon (July 21), a ladies' game on the Sunday between Southampton Saints and Winchester City and also, on that day, a display by the children of Southampton FC "Sport for the Disabled".

There will also be facilities, on site, for children and all members of the family to enjoy the weekend, and displays etc on site by many local firms and organisations who are supporting the event.

The Tournament is being organised by a Committee comprising the Football Club; the Twinning Associations; the City Council and Denplan.

The Chairman of the Committee, Colin Smith, says: "This Tournament will meet a whole host of objectives. It provides an opportunity for everyone to come along to see Winchester City play matches against interesting and testing, pre-season opposition (U.S. Laon played Olympic Lyonnaise in the French FA Cup in January, losing only 3-1 to the six times champions of France); it assists the football club's main sponsor - Denplan - as a proportion of the revenue raised goes to their chosen charity, and it will help the Twinning Associations in developing interest in their activities and increasing membership.

"Also, it's a real opportunity for the people of Winchester to come together in an event that seeks to establish the football club as a real community based organisation".

Tickets are already on sale from the City Tourist office; The Hampshire Chronicle shop in Middle Brook Street; and the University of Winchester. There are concessions for seniors, students and children and a Family Ticket is also available. Further details can be obtained by calling 01962-866285 or from the Winchester City FC website www.winfc.co.uk Tickets will also be available online and can be bought at The Brooks on Friday, July 6.