THE new football season is now kicking in — and fans are getting into the spirit in aid of a little girl.

Bury youngster Mila Sherring, aged eight months, suffers from a life-threatening illness and a group of keen footballers are pitching in to help her.

Paul Crampton, aged 28, of Brightwater Close, Whitefield, is friends with Mila’s father Mark as the pair used to play football as part of a wider group between 2003 and 2010.

With help from fellow organiser Mike Hunter, Mr Crampton has gathered the players for a charity match at the home of Prestwich Heys, in Sandgate Road, at 11am on Sunday.

It is hoped that the match, which will be followed by a family fun day, will raise more than £2,000 for Mila, who was diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) in March.

TSC causes tumours to form on vital organs like the brain, kidneys, heart, lungs, eyes and skin. There is no cure but new research is helping to find better treatments and her family need to raise around £40,000 for the treatment she requires in USA.

Mr Crampton said: “We all know each other from playing football in the local leagues a few years back and one of the teams playing on the charity day used to be associated with Whitefield Snooker Club.

“All the lads feel for Mark and Mila and want to do something to help.

“It is going to be a really special day and we are hoping that people come along to support us.”

As well as the match, there will be a children’s penalty shootout contest, a bouncy castle, raffle, cake sale and barbecue.

Entry costs £1 and all the players have pledged to donate £20 each.