AFC Darwen’s Anchor Ground today hosts the showpiece final of this year’s Orphanage Cup with Accrington Stanley Community Trust and H&T Presspart vying for the trophy, kick off 3pm.

The Orphanage Cup has been running locally for 90 years, since 1932, and is a genuine North West footballing institution.

It was originally set up to support and raise money for Blackburn Orphanage and thousands of teams have taken part over the years.

Blackburn Orphanage evolved into Child Action Northwest and bosses are proud all of the money raised from holding the tournament goes directly towards supporting young people, vulnerable adults and families in challenging circumstances across the North West.

CEO Sue Cotton said: “The 2022 Orphanage Cup final is finally upon us and what an exciting tournament we have seen this year.

“With over 40 teams taking part from across the region, it’s been fantastic to see so many organisations coming together support our work with children, young people, vulnerable adults and families across the North West and beyond.

“We’re also delighted to launch the inaugural Junior Orphanage Cup – the tournament will see local under-seven sides taking part before the adult final. I’m excited to see how this new addition to the historic cup grows and evolves in the years to come.

“This tournament is an incredibly important event for CANW with all of the fundraised income directly impacting on our ability to work with more people in need.

“Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has made life more difficult for families up and down the country, with the most vulnerable in society being disproportionately affected.

“We’d like to extend a huge thank you to the LFA for their unwavering support and guidance and also to each organisation who has signed up to participate in this year’s exciting tournament.

“The level of competition has been high and it adds another year to the amazing history within the Blackburn and Darwen heritage.”

With just two teams remaining, it is all down to today’s game to decide this year’s winners.

The gates will open at 2pm with adult tickets costing £5, under-18s £2, under-1s free and £10 for a family ticket.

As well as the final, there will be a raffle, silent auction, multiple food outlets and a family-friendly atmosphere with a crossbar challenge and freestyle competition as well.

All funds raised on the day will go directly towards supporting Child Action Northwest to support more children, young adults and families across the region.

Final squads

Accrington Stanley Community Trust: Kristian Whalley, Matt Parkinson, Sam Morris, Josh Cooper, Paul Mallen, Jamie Sanderson, Jack Massey, Luke Earl, Martin Fearon, Dylan Cross, Badr Alainzay, Mark Whalley, Shane Hudson, Matt , Lee Walsh, Daniel Bowerbank, Rhian Sabatino, Ed O’Neil.

H&T Presspart: James Catlow, Matt Moore, Johnathon Hodgkinson, Liam Holt, Tom Cobbold, Jack Beech, Bobby Morris, Sam Lloyd, Freddie Hardy, Ryan Holmes, Harry Jackson, Dylan Gill, Ryan Bramley, Keagan Dobson, Chad Mayoh, Ainsley Anderton.