IRVINE : Fair to Raise Funds for Football Teams

Cross-town football rivals will team up next month when players and coaches from three high schools sponsor a carnival aimed at raising money for their cash-strapped programs.

The Tri-School Fair will take place June 3-5 and is being organized by football teams from Irvine, Woodbridge and University high schools.

The teams are fierce competitors on the field, but boosters said that all three need money.

“We found that all schools had the same financial needs,” said University High parent Linda Sonnonstine. “We decided to join forces rather than do it separately.”

High school football programs receive limited financial support from the school district, forcing boosters and the players themselves to pay for most of the teams’ expenses.

The cost of one football player’s expenses for one season is about $1,250, said John Encheff, a University High football booster.

Organizers hope to raise about $20,000 during the three-day event, which will take place near the Civic Center off Harvard Avenue.

The fair will include carnival rides, food and music. Admission is $3. Information: (714) 854-8809.

Encheff and other boosters said they doubt the teams’ cooperation during the fund-raiser will soften their actions during the big games.

“The players (from the different schools) all go to the same places at night, attend the same dances,” he said. “But that all stops on the football field. There is a lot of rivalry in the city of Irvine.”