Southsiders shoot for world record

A SOUTHSIDE soccer team is going for broke in a bid to smash the Guinness World Record for the longest five-a-side football game.

Owen Keating of Rathfarnham and Leonard Stafford of Kilternan are joining up with the former Irish soccer international and Barnardos ambassador, Richie Sadlier, and TV presenter Daniella Moyles as part of the effort that will also hopefully raise

?¬20,000 for charity.

They are part of a 16 strong Sodexo Ireland team aiming to raise the money for Barnardos, the Irish Cancer Society and St Vincent de Paul as they make their attempt at the Guinness World Record for the longest five- a-side football game from Friday, June 22 to 23 in Port- laoise.

Donations from the public are very welcome can be made via the link http://www.mycharity.ie/event/sodexo_soccer_world_record/

Owen and Leonard joined Richie, Daniella and the rest of the team for a photo call at Tallaght Stadium to announce details of the event that will feature a 55 hour non-stop five-a-side in St Mary’s Community College in Portlaoise from 10am on the Friday to 5pm on Sunday.

The organisers aim to beat the current Guinness World Record of 43 hours clocked last year in the UK but they also have their eye on the unofficial world record of 52 hours, also set last year.

Owen, who is one of the organisers of the event, said:

“It’s going to be a real test of endurance and will, as only 16 players are allowed to take part and only three from each team can rest at any one time.

“Each player needs to be on the pitch for at least 35 hours out of the 55 so there are going to be some very tired legs out there at the end. But it will be worth it if we beat the Guinness World Record and hit our fundraising target at the same time so we are asking people to support us in any way they can.

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He added:

“We want to have our game recognised by the Guinness World Records and unify both titles in the process but getting recognition is going to be the hardest part as the rules are very strict.

“We have to provide a great deal of support material, including detailed witness and steward rosters, as well as filming the entire event from start to finish. However, we are determined to meet all the criteria and it will be a fantastic achievement if we can pull it off.

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In addition to training, proper nutrition is vital in preparing for endurance events and everyone involved is keeping a careful eye on their eating habits and focusing on foods that will conserve energy and prevent cramps.

Fellow organiser Andrew McGinley said:

“It helps that managing staff restaurants is our core business as the most important part of keeping a body running for 55 hours is nutrition.

“Our team have had to consume six small meals a day rather than three big ones and over the past few months they have been building up valuable energy reserves by eating a range of foods like whole meal pasta, sweet potato, brown rice, porridge, broccoli and fruits like blueberries, bananas and strawberries.

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Sodexo Ireland is a leading provider of food and facilities management services, delivering onsite service solutions to clients in business and industry, education, financial services and healthcare.

It employs approximately 1,800 people in 180 locations in Ireland.

?¢ Owen Keating of Rathfarnham and Leonard Stafford of Kilternan are pictured with the former Irish soccer international and Barnardos ambassador, Richie Sadlier, and TV presenter Daniella Moyles at the launch of the Guinness World Record attempt for the longest five-a-side football game.