PORTLAND United are gearing up to host their traditional Boxing Day charity match in aid of the Three Ells Trust (11am).

However, the Blues will make a slight break from tradition by mixing their teams up throughout the match.

Normally, two individual managers would take charge of the two sides but, in 2023, there will be a balanced spread of past Portland players of all ages between the ‘Old Boys’ and ‘New Boys’.

Last season, the Blues raised more than £1,350 for the Three Ells Trust, a charity extremely close to their heart, after a thrilling 6-6 draw between Gary Bailey’s Legends and Mark Carter’s All Stars.

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Portland selected the Three Ells Trust after it was set up in 2000 by the Naerger family when son Lewis passed away aged 16 from an osteosarcoma, a primary bone tumour.

Past players such as septuagenarian Pat Reader and more recent stars Carl Mutch, Lewis Whyton, Alex Halloran, Ryan McKechnie and Nick Carroll will be involved.

Pete Turrell, Chris Evans, Mark Robinson, Ian Hutchinson, former managers Simon Browne and Brendon King plus Jason Camp, Mark Carter, Alan Rodgers and Paul Myers are all set to feature.

Portland Panthers will also field a handful of their squad to blood the next generation.

Event organiser Darren Whyton told Echosport why the match is held in such dear regard by the Blues.

He said: “The Three Ells Trust is our dedicated charity. It’s close to my family’s heart and people that have been involved with Portland United Football Club.

“They donate a lot of money to sick children. Hopefully we can raise some good money and it keeps them in the limelight because people need to know about these charities.”

He added: “We’ve got a couple of reserve players, the reserve manager Stu Beddingfield is playing, so we’ve got a little mix-up.

“Hopefully we’ll mix it up so it doesn’t get too one-sided. We’re a great family club and we try and keep things in the community.

“We normally get a good turn out and bar’s always packed.”

Chairman Matt Lucas will don the gloves in goal, while media guru Josh Barton is also set to take part.

Former chairman Robin Satherley is the match sponsor, the bar opens at 10am and bucket collections plus a raffle will also be on offer.