TEAMS are now invited to enter this year’s Orphanage Cup and organisers are looking for another bumper turnout.

The annual competition, for works teams in and around the Blackburn area, dates back to the early 1950s and has become a permanent fixture in the amateur football calendar.

The Cup has had an upturn in fortunes in recent years with the final being played at Ewood Park for the past two season following a lengthy absence.

Organisers are again hopeful they can play the final of the prestigious competition at the home of Blackburn Rovers.

Last year’s final between S7 Soccer Academy and Blackburn with Darwen Council Leisure Services went down as one of the most thrilling seen in many a year.

S7 ran out 4-3 winners in front of a big crowd to retain the trophy and Orphanage Cup secretary Tommy Tatham hopes those memories will persuade teams to enter again this season.

“Last season’s final was a classic and was one of the best, if not the best we have had,” said Tommy. “There was a great turnout at Ewood Park, not just by friends, family and colleagues of both teams but supporters of the competition itself as well. We are hoping this year’s competition is equally as well supported and as many teams as possible enter.” Tommy said he is in talks with Blackburn Rovers about holding this year’s final at Ewood Park but a decision is yet to be made.

“We would love to have it at Ewood Park again,” he added. “Playing there is something special and something that very few amateur players get the chance to do.

“It makes the competition that extra bit special so hopefully we will be holding it at Ewood Park again this year.”

To enter this year’s competition email him at ttatham84@gmail.com.

Teams have until Friday, February 28 to enter and Tommy will answer all enquiries by email.

Meanwhile, the Orphanage Cup’s annual general meeting will be held at East Lancashire Cricket Club in mid-March at a date yet to be finalised.