Leicester City's home ground will play host to the annual varsity fixture between De Montfort University and University of Leicester on February 16.

This year's varsity game sports a Fairtrade theme, to be played with a Fairtrade football.

The players hope the gesture will get the fans onside with the Fairtrade message of giving manufacturers in poor countries a fair deal.

The team captains met up at the Walkers in advance of their grudge match to promote the fixture, which is expected to attract a crowd of more than 4,000 supporters. The event kicks off with the women's game, followed by the clash between the men's representative sides.

Striker Rosie Corbett, 21, captain of the De Montfort University women's football team, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to promote Fairtrade which is a great cause. We are delighted to be helping raise awareness."

Central defender Ruth Kelliher, 22, captain of the University of Leicester women's football team, added: "We are really happy to be taking part in a fixture which will be promoting Fairtrade."

The idea for the Fairtrade football came from Karl Letten, the Environmental & Sustainability Officer at De Montfort University, working with a team of staff and students.

Karl said: "Recognising that we can help producers in the Third World get a fair deal is a great education for our staff and students. It shows them how the things they buy can affect people right across the globe.

Fair Trade is an international movement which ensures producers in developing countries get a fair deal.

Pictured: from left, Ruth Kelliher and Simon Facey, captains of University of Leicester football teams, and Lee Linnett and Rosie Corbett, captains of DMU football teams with a Fairtrade football.