Opening the event will be BBC pundit and ex Crystal Palace star Mark Bright, who will be speaking about his own experience as a looked after child. Taking part in the on-pitch action will be Channel 4’s Relocation, Relocation presenter Phil Spencer.

Alongside the main event, Chelsea FC will be running a soccer skills workshop where local youngsters can pick up new tricks and tips from the club’s professional coaching team

There will also be a cheerleader’s workshop run by the Feltham Dance Company.

The event is part of Fostering Fortnight (May 17 – 30) – a campaign aimed at raising awareness about fostering and encouraging more residents to provide homes for local children who need a place to stay.

The council is constantly in need of new recruits to replace those who are retiring from fostering and to help look after the growing number of children in need of care. Foster carers can be couples or single, but at least one must be aged between 25 and 60 and be in good health. Ideally they would live in or near Wandsworth.

The council offers a wide range of support and assistance to carers, including training and day-to-day back-up so that they can provide young people with the high standards of care they need.   People who provide a foster home also receive weekly payments and allowances.

Executive member for children’s services Kathy Tracey said:

“We’re delighted to have these famous faces getting behind our campaign and offering their generous support. The stage is set for a fantastic match and there will be plenty of free activities to keep the whole family entertained.

“Wandsworth’s foster carers perform an invaluable service to local children, often at a time of real crisis. The more foster homes we have available, the more likely it is we can keep local children close to their friends and in reach of their school.

“Throughout Fostering Fortnight we’ll be encouraging more residents to think seriously about whether their household could help look after local children when they need it most.”

 

May 15, 2010