FOOTBALL fans will be praying for divine intervention in a church that’s opening its doors to show England’s World Cup games.

Dorchester Community Church is inviting residents who aren’t a part of the church community to come and show their faith in Rooney, Gerrard and their team-mates.

The atmosphere at the Acland Road church promises to be family friendly and trouble-free.

Church leader Roger Frapwell said he took the unusual step of turning the pews into terraces because he believes that football brings people together.

“We believe in community and love the idea of everybody being able to come together across the age ranges to enjoy what will dominate every conversation over the next few weeks.

“Although football may not usually be associated with what the church is about, we are about what matters to people and, right now, like it or not, what matters to many people is how England get on at the World Cup.

“It gives me a good excuse to watch the games too,” he said.

And for more neutral fans of the beautiful game, all of Brazil’s matches will also be shown at the church.

“No World Cup is complete without watching Brazil. So we’re going to be following these two teams through and, for as far as they get through the competition, we’re going to be showing the games,” Roger said.

Arsenal fan Roger said the highlight of his own football career with a church team was having 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball cheering him on as he played a game.

He’s tipping Spain as winners in South Africa and said Steven Gerrard is his favourite England player, after Gunners man Theo Walcottt failed to make the squad.

Non-alcoholic refreshments will be on sale in the church and entry is free for the games.

The first match to be screened at will be England’s game against the USA on Saturday, at 7.30pm.

Roger added: “There’s no hidden agenda here at all.

“People often have a perception that church is irrelevant and isn’t for them. But we’re the same as everyone else and we’re going to be cheering on England like everyone else.”

See www.dorchestercommunitychurch.org.uk for details.

l Youth pastor Simon Burin has set up a Dorchester Community Church team to play in the Dorset League. Anyone aged 16 or over who wishes to play for the team should call 07800 814675.