Hurst Cross hosting student charity tourny

Ashton United are looking forward to hosting what organisers are calling the 'ultimate varsity tournament' in aid of a Tameside women's charity.

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Robins have teamed up with UNIsorted, a new online service for students in the North West to help them survive university life, to stage the UniVarsity Charity Football Cup at Hurst Cross in April.

Teams from Manchester Metropolitan University, MMU Cheshire, Bolton University, The University Of Central Lancashire and The University Of Salford will compete for the new cup with all profits from the tournament going to The Tameside Women's Project.

The charity provides support and emergency accommodation to women and children forced out of their homes by physical, psychological or sexual abuse from partners or family members and has been running since the 1970s providing 24 hour cover and a helpline. Gates open in its aid at Surrey Street at 10.30am on Thursday 18 April, with the final at the 4,500 capacity stadium expected around 5.30pm.

Organisers are laying on a variety of entertainment throughout the day including dancers, cheerleaders, competitions and bands. They're also keeping a mystery headline act a secret, only revealing that the group has had seven top 10 UK hits including one chart-topper.

DJ Damien from Manchester's 42nd Street nightclub is one of a number booked for the event and they'll also be an after party at the club with free entry to fans and players.

Professional Football freestyler Daniel Cutting, a four-time Guinness World Record holder, will be also demonstrating his talents while fans will be invited to compete in a host of competitions including crossbar challenges, penalty shootouts and even a chili eating contest!