If the World Cup has turned you into a football fanatic, then have we got a competition for you!

We have joined forces with Polka Theatre to bring you the chance to win a football signed by no less than 24 England or former England players, including Paul Gascoigne, Sir Bobby Robson, Kevin Keegan, Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Wayne Bridge, Kieron Dyer and many more!

The competition is running alongside Polka's latest production, Friendly Matches, the hilarious new show for the whole family, based on the latest book of poems by celebrated children's author, Allan Ahlberg.

The play follows the football team of Inglehurst Junior School, who let's face it are in pretty poor shape. They've never got a full team, their goalkeeper won't stop eating and, to cap it all, there's a rat loose in the changing rooms! No wonder they never score goals.

Can two girls joining the team really turn Inglehurst's fortunes around?

The prize football will be presented to the lucky winner by Allan Ahlberg himself, at a special gala performance of Friendly Matches on August 13.

Until then, the ball will be on display at Polka Theatre. There are also runners-up prizes of five signed copies of the book and five family tickets to a future Polka show.

To win, simply answer the following question: In the show Friendly Matches, which character scores the final goal?

Send your answers on a postcard to Friendly Matches Competition, London South West Live, Surrey Comet, Unecol House, 819 London Road, North Cheam, SM3 9BN.

The closing date is Monday, August 5, usual Surrey Comet rules apply and the editor's decision is final.

There are details about the show and the competition on Polka's website, www.polkatheatre.com. Also check out the Wimbledon branch of Books Etc. to find out more about Allan Ahlberg and Friendly Matches, which comes out in Puffin paperback next month.

July 12, 2002 12:30