A FOOTBALL tournament raised hundreds of pounds for two charities which help people with Down’s Syndrome.

Four teams lined up to raise money for Down’s Syndrome Oxford and the Down Syndrome Educational Trust at Oxford City Football Club, in Marston, Oxford.

About 30 adults and teenagers took part in the tournament, the second organised by Mark Stevenson. Mr Stevenson became involved with support group Down’s Syndrome Oxford after his son, Jack, now three, was born with the disability.

For the first time someone with Down’s took part in the matches.

And 20-year-old Henry Barwell, from Harwell, raised a special cheer when he scored a goal.

Mr Stevenson said: “It was great to see so many people come along and either play or cheer the players on.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the afternoon, with good weather and exciting matches, which were competitive but good-natured.”

The tournament, on Sunday, March 21, raised more than £500, including proceeds from sales of cakes and refreshments. A similar amount was raised at the inaugural event last year.

Mr Stevenson thanked everyone involved.

Each of the four teams was given the name of an animal, and the Elephants were eventually crowned champions.

Andrew Dubock, a member of Down’s Syndrome Oxford, was among those taking part in the contest as part of the Hippos team.

His daughter Hannah, two, who has Down’s, was cheering on from the sidelines. He said: “It was a really nice atmosphere and it raised quite a bit of money.”

Down’s Syndrome Oxford, which provides information, help and activities for families who have a child with the condition, is run by 20 volunteers and has about 200 members.

The Down Syndrome Educational Trust works to improve the quality of support and education for young people living with Down’s.

For more details, visit the websites dsoxford.org.uk or downsed.org