This year's annual charity rugby league challenge clash between York Acorn Past Masters and York Groves Old Boys will hopefully bring a little girl's dream a step closer when the two sides lock horns at Thanet Road on Sunday (kick-off 1.30pm).

Now in its third successive year, the match will raise money to help send seven-year-old Kelsie Copping to Disneyland in Paris.

Kelsie, who lives in Acomb, is the youngest person in Great Britain to be suffering from multiple sclerosis.

The game's organiser and Acorn Sports and Social Club steward Billy Blackburn junior hopes that the club will be full on Sunday to bring Kelsie's dream true.

"This is the third time that we've played this fixture with both sides recording a win apiece in two keenly-fought contests," said Blackburn.

"There's always a bumper crowd who come along to see many former well known Acorn or Punch players turn back the clock and put on a pair of boots to take part in a fixture that some 20 years previously they will have done in their heydays.

"What will make it equally special is that we are all going to try and make a little girl's dreams come true and put a smile on her face."

Blackburn hopes that any former Acorn or Groves (Punch Bowl) players who are over 35 years of age and fancy a run out will come down to the club for about 12.30pm to make themselves available.

Groves would also welcome all past players from Punch Bowl or Clifton Moor.

Acorn are holding an impromptu training session on Friday night at 6.15pm and all are welcome.For information contact either Billy Blackburn (Acorn) on 330351 or Paul Boyne (Groves) on 766328.

Acorn are also holding a charity evening on behalf of Kelsie on Thursday, July 19 which will include a top act, disco, stand up bingo, head shaving and a raffle draw, which has a first prize of a colour television. Entry is free.

Acorn Under-16's are on the lookout for more players for their forthcoming campaign.

If you are 16 years of age after September 1 2001 and would like to play rugby league, then attend the team's first pre season training camp on Thursday July 5 6.15pm) at Thanet Road.

For further information ring Paul Lumby on York 709092.

The open age team have already begun their pre-season training to prepare for the new National Conference League division two campaign.

They would also welcome new players. Training is on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6.45pm).For further information contact Allan Hebblethwaite on York 707796.

Updated: 09:09 Thursday, June 28, 2001