FOOTBALLERS are often accused of being mercenaries but at one club the players are all from Chingford.

While the club does not have an Athletic Bilbao-style policy where the entire team has to be born in the area it represents, being from Chingford is certainly encouraged.

Catharine Arakelian, Chingford Town chairwoman, 47, said: "If we saw a talented kid from Leyton or Walthamstow we wouldn't be stupid enough to turn him away simply because he didn't live in Chingford but we would like our team to reflect the local community as much as possible.

"There isn't anything for teenagers over 16 who want to play football in Chingford and there are a lot of unemployed people out there."

The club's captain Jack Lustig agreed.

He played for youth football team Ridgeway Rovers but after becoming 16 he was wondering where he was going to play his football.

"Luckily Chingford Town got started shortly after I left Ridgeway Rovers. I do feel a lot of pride playing for Chingford Town and I think the other players do too. It's an established club with quite a history and is the only semi-professional football team in the area," he said.

Recently the club secured a deal to play at Wadham Lodge sports ground after years of playing outside of Waltham Forest and there are hopes that it can eventually move back to their Newgate Street ground home.

Ms Arakelian, who will stand for Labour in the Chingford and Woodford Green constituency in the next election, said: "I want to do something for the community that will be memorable."

The club will take part in the Essex Business Houses League Division Two next season and if they are successful they will achieve a place on the bottom step of the football pyramid.

If you are interested in taking part in a trial for Chingford Town call Ms Arakelian on 07751809271.