THE popular ALF 10s rugby tournament is set for its biggest year yet this weekend.

The ALF 10s, which will again be held at Westcliff Rugby Club on Saturday, is the flagship event of the Aaron Lewis Foundation.

The charity was set up in memory of Lieutenant Aaron Lewis, the Rochford man and former Westcliff player who died while serving in Afghanistan in December 2008, just 11 days after his 26th birthday.

The tournament is organised by a group of Aaron’s close friends and his family.

And one of the organisers, Jonathan Fozard, predicts that this year’s event, the ninth, will be the best so far.

“The ALF 10s is a fantastic fundraiser for the ALF which supports some brilliant causes which Aaron would have been proud to back and we are confident that this year’s ALF 10s is going to be bigger and better than ever before,” said Fozard.

“The event has become a firm favourite on the local rugby circuit, which is great, and this year 15 teams are taking part, including one from France so there is an international feel to the tournament.

“We also welcome several teams from across Essex, several Armed Forces teams including Aaron’s 29 Commando Regiment and of course the ALF team itself.

“But there will be plenty of other things going on to keep everyone entertained.

“In addition to the high quality rugby on show, there will be live music, BBQs, a hog roast, a fun-zone for kids and all kinds of other entertainment throughout the afternoon.

“We are aiming to raise more money for the charity than we ever have before and it’s always a special day for us and for Aaron’s family.

“It is fantastic how the ALF 10s has evolved over the years.

“Next year will be the 10th tournament which is something we are very proud about.”

Saturday’s event will get underway with a minute’s silence which will be followed by cannons being fired.

The rugby games, between teams of 10 players, get underway at 11.30am.