Burghfield footballers to make record attempt
AFC Corinthians will attempt to break the world record for the longest football match later this month
A FOOTBALL team from Burghfield will be fighting sleep deprivation, hunger and fatigue as they attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest football match.
AFC Corinthians, who play in the Reading Football Saturday League, will be attempting the feat to raise money for the Royal Berkshire Cancer Clinic, the Berkshire MS Centre and Daisy's Dream, a charity supporting bereaved children.
The club will take on the challenge at its home ground at the Civil Service Club in James Lane, Burghfield, starting at 7pm on May 27 and aiming to finish after 7am on May 30.
The world record currently stands at 60 hours for a match which featured the Pink Panthers and the Black Eagles at Loughborough University, between October 22-24, 2010.
AFC Corinthians player-manager, Matthew Charters, said: “There's been various attempts to break the record but I think the closest a group has got is 40 hours. We're expecting it to be tough.
“It works out that everyone will have to play for 41 hours and that's if everyone manages it. I expect some people will have to stop due to injury or fatigue.
“The guys have got two months now to prepare and get as fit as they can, although I'm not sure you can fully prepare for this.
“Everyone has to stay on site at all times if they want to continue to play. We're setting up tents there to stay over night. I think the most sleep anyone will get is about two and half hours at any one time.
“I think it will be a battle of wills.”
In order to break the record, the game, which will be played between two 18-man squads consisting of first and reserve team players as well as some guests and former players, has to be competitive.
“The football will be appalling at the end of the game but the rules state that it has to be competitive,” Mr Charters said.
“There will be friends and family coming to watch as well as other guys who are associated with the club.
“Every goal and substitute has to be logged and photographs and videos have to be taken so I'm sure they'll be helping with that.”
The players will get a five minutes break for every hour of football played and the breaks can be accumulated.
The club is appealing for sponsorship or donations for food, drink and floodlights. Volunteers are also needed to referee sections of the match.
If you can help, contact Mr Charters on 07961 159710 or email mcharters@hotmail.com
You can sponsor the group by clicking on the link to the club's website below.
