Footie rivals fund-raise for homeless. Pic: Jarret Callahan

East end football rivals, Tower Hamlets and Clapton joined forces on Saturday to raise £400 for homeless charities.

A lively crowd of 195, stood in support at the Mile end stadium – the biggest public attendance in the football season.

Tower Hamlets manager, Ajibola Olatunbosun said: “195, obviously we have never had that at Mile End, well not for a few years!”

Money raised is being donated to several homeless charities with the support of Clapton midfielder, Billy Wise.

Wise experienced homelessness himself, aged just 17, before finding his dream job playing football.

Wise represented England in the homeless world cup in Mexico 2012.

He says: “I couldn’t handle things at home with my mum and her partner, I didn’t have any hope of life.”

The match ended in a 0-0 draw, but the main aim of the event was to show how people could unite through football, raising funds towards a good cause.

Former Tons assistant manager, Neil Day had organised the charity fundraiser after being inspired by Wise’s story.

“Billy Wise is a player I have personally loved coaching and I think we can all relate to his story,” says Day.

Mohammed Nurul Hoque, Chairman of Tower Hamlets said: “The money that we raised can make a difference to people who may need somewhere to go or support during these tough financial times.”