Fans ready to go on trial for Capital derby charity match

Preparations for the eagerly-awaited charity football match between fans of Hearts and Hibs will get underway this month, with trials taking place for supporters looking to get one over their rivals at Tynecastle Stadium in March next year.

The annual charity match has been running since 2006 but wasn't staged this year due to organisers' other commitments, so a keen sense of anticipation will greet the next instalment in a series of fixtures that has so far raised more than 40,000 for local causes.

Aside from the opportunity to play, supporters taking to the field will be rewarded with a matchday experience befitting the professional footballer.

Scott Moncrieff, who arranges the event, says: "We try to make it an experience for the players. I You get the full Hibs or Hearts kit, which you keep, you meet up for breakfast on the day of the game and have an ex-player like John Robertson give you a pep talk. We lay on coaches to the stadium, you'll wander on the field in your suit, and take part in a warm-up before the game. All we ask from anyone who's chosen to play is that they raise 125 in sponsorship."

The match will kick off on Sunday, March 27.

This year's chosen charities are The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre (Lothian), Forth One's Cash For Kids and Asthma UK (Scotland)."

Organisers are also appealing to businesses to sponsor the event. Visit www.rivals4charity.co.uk or contact Scott on 07723 528983 or via email on [email protected]