PLAYERS and fans are being asked to help vulnerable children by taking part in Barnardo’s Fantasy Football League.

After raising more than £700 last season, the league, based in the Barnardo’s Horforth office is asking fans to support the charity this season by signing their teams up.

Prizes on offer this year, include a £25 voucher from Classic Football Shirts, t-shirts for the highest scoring manager each month from Fine Squares and other fantasy football merchandise and trophies provided by sponsors.

The Barnardo’s league is open to anyone to join and uses the official Premier League Fantasy Football game. People can join for another two weeks from the start of the season deadline on Saturday, September 12 at noon.

Steve Oversby, Regional Director for Barnardo’s North region said: “We are trying to encourage as many people as possible to sign up to our league this year, with an ask of a minimum donation of £10 to take part.

“The competition is always fierce with teams vying to win the league and cup competitions, and there are prizes and trophies to be won to add to the fun.

“Now more than ever due to the loss in charity income since the start of the Coronavirus crisis, we are asking for the public to support us in raising vital funds, so we can continue in our work to change the lives of vulnerable children and families in the UK, many of whom may have been impacted significantly by the pandemic.

“Every penny donated online through the fantasy football league goes straight to Barnardo’s to support our frontline work.We are extremely grateful to everyone that has signed up so far and hope to welcome more players ready for the new season.”

To join the Barnardo’s Fantasy Football League, visit the JustGiving Page, make a donation and follow the instructions. Any queries can be directed to Carolyn.cooper@barnardos.org.uk.

Barnardo’s works to change the lives of vulnerable children in the UK and last year supported around 300,000 children, young people and families, including young carers, care leavers, young people struggling with mental health issues, foster carers and adoptive parents.

Barnardo’s is the UK’s largest children’s charity. It was established by Dr Thomas Barnardo and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016.

The charity works to transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and every year helps thousands of families to build a better future.

The young people helped by the charity include carers, care leavers, people at risk of child sexual exploitation and disabled people. It also helps foster carers and adoptive parents and provides training and skills and parenting classes.