Riverkeepers of the Test take on the Itchen in charity football game for Fishing for Schools

Waders, nets and rods will be swapped for football boots and strips on Sunday 4 November – when the river keepers of the Test take on those of the Itchen in a charity football match, in aid of Fishing for Schools.

This sporting spectacular will take place at the River Park Leisure Centre in Winchester, with gates open at 2.30pm and kick-off art 2.45pm. And spectators are very welcome – for a donation!

Each player will be sponsored to take part and there will be raffle.

Organiser Simeon Hay said the idea came about through the river keepers shared disinterest in last summer's World Cup.

He said: "This community of water workers are flat out busy all summer and are the soul and the backbone of our fishing on the chalk streams. So, I thought why not bring them all together, out of their comfort zone, away from grafting in the river banks, to take part in a game they detest."

Amazingly he had some takers and so far the teams comprise:

Itchen Team

Sim 'The Rifle' Hay… just wait till he pulls the trigger.

Phil 'Fatboy' Parker… try and squeeze one past his posts.

Rob 'The Baptist' Rees

Charles 'Slow Foot ' Jardine… careful of his Zimmer frame

Test team

Jon 'The Cat' Hall… his cat like reactions in goal are phenomenal

Nick Parker

Johnny 'Tumbleweed' Walker… the conversation killer, he'll be make or break up front

Fishing for Schools director Charles Jardine – who will be dusting off his boots after half a century to play for the Itchen team – said: "I think it's going to be carnage. These are the two most notable chalk streams in the world, coming together in a bloodbath – old enmities are sure to rise to the surface.

"I'm sure it's going to be a great deal of fun and it is amazingly kind of these guys to do it for Fishing for Schools. Everyone is welcome – but make sure you remember your wallet!"