NON-LEAGUE legend Ray Turner has put together a five-a-side dream team to help raise money for charity.

Turner has teamed up with businessman James Burns and is fielding a side at the upcoming FA People’s Cup.

The national competition - the biggest five-a-side event in the country - is run in partnership with the BBC’s Get Inspired campaign and Turner has picked former and current team-mates to club together and raise money for Make-a-Wish Foundation UK.

He will be joined by goalkeeper Peter Haxell, Ben Lampon, Joe Heron and Jack Clampin, who he played with at Wivenhoe Town, and former Stanway Rovers team-mate Danny Slatter at the first round of the contest on February 26.

If successful, they will progress to the semi-finals and then, if they get through that round, they will have booked their place in the national finals in Manchester.

“We’ve got a really strong team,” said Turner, who currently plays for Holland FC and is well-known across the north Essex circuit, having played for Halstead Town, FC Clacton and Brantham Athletic, as well as Wivenhoe and Stanway.

“They’re all very fit lads and I’m confident they’ll all go on to play at a high level, later in their non-league careers.

“I’ve played a lot of five-a-side football with them in training and they’re all excellent in small-sided games.

“They’ve all got great technique and are very skilful.

“I know they’re all looking forward to it and, as a dad of three myself, I’m so pleased to be helping such a brilliant charity, which grants magical wishes to seriously ill children.

“Football gets such a bad press at times, but this shows how powerful it can be.

“We’re using it to help give something back and to help a very great cause.

“Hopefully we can do well in the competition because the longer we stay in it, the more exposure we’ll get and the more money we’ll raise.”

Turner, 36, is joining forces with Clacton businessman Burns, who has agreed to cover all costs and has had a special blue kit produced, bearing the Make-a-Wish Foundation UK logo.

“It’s going to be great fun but we’re also hoping to raise money for a very worthy cause,” said the dad of two, who runs who runs Water Jetting Agency and met Turner when he started coaching his son, Joseph.

“It’s a charity I’ve had dealings with through my work and it’s great to hear about the amazing work they do and the children they’ve helped.

“Some of the stories are so touching and, as a dad myself, it really tugs on your heartstrings.

“That’s why it made so much sense to try and help.

“I like the fact it helps individuals, rather than going to a charity or organisation where you might not necessarily see where the money goes.”

The People’s Cup welcomes male, female and disability players across ten categories, ranging from under-14s through to veterans (over-35s).

It was formed in 2015. In its first year over 30,000 people took part and last year the figure was closer to 35,000.

To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/WJAgency Alternatively, drop into the Water Jetting Agency office at Suite 9C, The Mill, 355-357 Old Road, Clacton, CO15 3RQ.