Footballers from across Oxfordshire hope to have netted hundreds of pounds to help sick youngsters at Oxford Children's Hospital.

Scores of amateur sportsmen and women battled it out on the football field during a fundraising tournament yesterday.

Twenty-three teams went head-to-head on the pitch at Oxford City Football Club's ground in Marsh Lane, Marston, in a series of knock-out rounds to raise cash for the hospital.

Among those taking part was father-of-two Dale Harris, whose daughter Mya has received treatment for spina bifida at the new hospital.

Five-year-old Mya, who watched her father from the sidelines, was due to go back to the hospital today for a major brain operation.

Mr Harris, of Normandy Crescent, Cowley, said: "My inspiration has come from her. The facilities at the hospital are fantastic. It is good for the parents and families who have children in the hospital."

The 26-year-old persuaded colleagues at Elmer Cotton sports shop, in Turl Street, Oxford, where he works, to take part in the tournament.

The team were knocked out just before the quarter finals.Dale Harris and his daughter Mya Mr Harris said: "It has been fantastic. There has been a good turn-out of people and hopefully we have raised a lot of money."

Teams of business colleagues, friends and relatives of those treated at the hospital took part in the day-long event, called Play2Give.

It was won by a team of friends called All-Stars, with Oxford Yellows and AFC Hinksey in second and third place respectively.

The six-a-side competition was organised by Andrew Baker, from King Walk, Didcot, and two of his friends.

Mr Baker said he had been a keen supporter of the children's hospital since it launched a high-profile campaign six years ago - and had since managed to raise more than £16,000.

The 20-year-old said many local firms had entered teams, including Abingdon-based Miele and RM, from Milton Park, as well as medical engineering company Siemens which has offices in Eynsham and Oxford.

And he added that half of the proceeds would to Abingdon Amateur Boxing Club, which is fundraising for a new building.

Mr Baker said: "We had about 100 people or so watching. A lot of family, friends, teams and other people who had heard about it.

"The atmosphere has been overwhelming. It has just been really amazing. I cannot believe how enthusiastic and supportive everyone has been."