Leyland football coaches roll up with new fundraising idea for the Royal British Legion

Because of the difficulties faced by the Poppy Appeal due to coronavirus restrictions this year, Jack Jacques and Mark Marrian of South Ribble Development Centre football club have decided to help out.

On November 7, they will both be walking 11 miles around a football pitch, carrying a bag of 15 balls.

Jack, 33, said: "We're both fit lads, so we think we're going to be able to do it in about two-and-a-half hours, but we'll definitely be feeling it at the end.

"I think though it's going to be mentally tougher just plodding round the same pitch again and again and again.

"But it's for a good cause, and we're looking forward to it."

The coaches have set up an online Go Fund Me page, and they hope to split any donations between the club, which has a new home at Seven Stars Primary School, and the Royal British Legion.

Jack added: "The club had some financial trouble before Covid and the committee has really worked hard to turn it around. Thinking about financial struggles and the time of year, we thought we could do something for the club and also for Remembrance, as our chairman is in the army and we know how hard it's going to be for the Poppy Appeal this year.

"The number 11 seemed to fit well. It's the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month and there are also 11 players on a football team. That's the reason we've picked to walk 11 miles."

The South Ribble Development Centre has an open play policy for all abilities. It currently has around 180 members with 14 teams, ranging from under 6s to adults teams, and is run by volunteers.

>>>To sponsor Jack and Mark, click here