FOOTBALL FEVER KICKS OFF WITH NIHAL
(30 January 2007)

Football's ultimate 'January Sale' has kicked off with the launch of Football Aid's annual auction and Radio 1 star, DJ Nihal was onside to play his part in the phenomenon that has taken the UK by storm. In his first appearance as Celebrity Ambassador for Football Aid, Nihal, who presents BBC Radio's fast paced football show, 'Kickin Off', was delighted to announce the launch of their annual auction, where fans can now bid for a place in their Club's team sheet.

Football Aid is a unique venture which gives fans the chance to experience just what it's like to pull on the jersey and play for their team. Over 300 games - involving an incredible 8000 players - have taken place throughout the UK since Football Aid's conception, allowing fans to feel first hand the thrills and spills of match day at the Club they support.

And as a die-hard Spurs fan, Nihal will certainly revel in his new role as Football Aid Ambassador. As part of his 'contract', he will be playing in the Football Aid game at White Hart Lane this May, which he confesses is a dream come true.

"I went to the same school as the great Glenn Hoddle and my father took me to my first game at White Hart Lane when I was a kid. So, there was never any doubt about which team I would support! I love going to the games, hearing the crowd going mad and screaming myself hoarse for 90 minutes. So, I can't even begin to imagine what it's going to be like actually playing on the pitch myself!"

But he admits that his own playing skills leave something to be desired, "I'm a bit of a rowdy player - there is something of the Zidane in me at times! When I first started a job in music PR we had a five-a-side team and the first time we played I got sent off!' he laughs.

However, on a serious note, Nihal urges fans to get bidding, "Proceeds raised from the Football Aid games go to a number of charities, locally, nationally and around the globe so whilst experiencing the chance of a lifetime, you'll be pitching in for a good cause too!"

Football Aid was created as an innovative way of raising money for charity and voluntary organisations. Through its parent charity, Field of Dreams' multi-beneficiary grant award scheme, the funds raised from the Football Aid events are distributed to diabetes research, education and management projects plus charities nominated for funding by the Clubs that take part.

Last season, £13,000 was raised for Spurs' nominated charities, Kith and Kids and the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation as a result of the matches at White Hart Lane. Nihal was proud to present representatives from Kith and Kids, a charity who helps families living with disability, a cheque for £6,500 which will fund a week long summer camp for young people with disabilities.

The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation will use their grant of £6,500 to fund the Tottenham Hotspur Barnet Community Football Project which aims to deliver curriculum football to schools within the Borough.

To bid now for your place visit www.footballaid.com.