SOUTHAMPTON'S veterans football team are jetting off for a third year running to the Philips Lighting International Soccer Sevens tournament in Hong Kong on May 25-27.

And thanks to the backing of one of the region's leading housebuilders, Orchard Homes, the cast for this year's trip is the best yet.

Matt Le Tissier and Rodney Wallace head a star-studded list, supported by David Howells, David Hughes, Ian Baird and former Hampshire cricketer Adi Aymes, who is also a keen footballer.

It was Baird's friendship with ex-Saints striker Tony Sealy that first got the link going.

"Tony's the sports manager out at Hong Kong Football Club and it's down to my friendship with him that we got the invite," the Havant & Waterlooville manager explained.

"We haven't done that well in previous years, but the help of Orchard Homes has enabled us to get some more high-profile players.

"Russell Vaughan, my business partner, is a good friend of Orchard's managing director Ken Lake."

The vets have been drawn to play teams from the UK, Hong Kong and Japan in the group stage. Each game will be seven minutes each way, played on a three-quarter sized pitch.

Lake is delighted Orchard Homes are involved in such a high-profile competition, illustrating how the building firm is involved in football at all levels from its support of the Saints Academy to the veterans.

"It's great to be part of such a great competition with some great Saints legends taking part,'' said Lake. "The guys tell me they have been training hard for the event."

Baird said the support of companies such as Orchard Homes was vital for the vets to be able to play in such high profile tournaments.

"The players are all looking forward to getting their shirts on again and performing in Hong Kong,'' he said. "The guys are all great ambassadors for Southampton.'' Pictured are Russell Vaughan, Adi Aymes, Spencer Drake, Ken Lake, Leroy Whale, Ian Baird and Matt Le Tisser.