Chapeltown FC U13s target dream Barcelona trip with record-breaking 12-hour football match
Youngsters at Chapeltown Juniors FC are hosting a marathon non-stop football match and community fair at the Prince Philip Centre to ensure no player misses out on an unforgettable tournament in Spain
A youth football team in Leeds is preparing to make local history with a marathon 12-hour fundraising effort to send every single one of its players to an international tournament in Barcelona.
Chapeltown Juniors FC’s Under-13 Gold squad will host the first recorded 12-hour non-stop football match played at their home ground, the Prince Philip Centre, later this month.
Running non-stop from 8am to 8pm the match kicks off with the U13 Gold squad before handing over to hourly age-group slots for Under 7s right through to Under 16s throughout the day, closing out with an open session for players aged 16 and over in the final hour.
The ambitious event is designed to raise vital funds for the team's upcoming tour to Spain, which includes four nights' accommodation, tournament matches, stadium tours, and training sessions.
Crucially for the club, the fundraising drive is focused on ensuring equal access for every member of the squad, regardless of financial background.
Chapeltown Juniors FC operates under the umbrella of the Chapeltown Youth Development Centre (CFYDC), a charity dedicated to creating opportunities for young people and families across inner-city, North, and North-East Leeds.
"One of our biggest priorities is making sure every player has the opportunity to be part of this tour," says Victoria, lead fundraiser for the U13 Gold team. "We never want finances to be the reason a child misses out on an experience like this.
The money we raise helps reduce the cost for all families and provides additional support where it's needed, so every member of the squad has the chance to travel, make lifelong memories, and represent our club together."
The U13 Gold squad has already built a reputation for resilience, having spent the past year competing a playing tier above their actual age group to develop their strength and focus.
The 12-hour match operates under one simple rule: once the whistle blows at 8:00am, the game does not stop.
There are no half-time breaks, with rolling substitutions used continuously throughout the day as different age groups take to the pitch to keep the match alive. Members of the local community are invited to turn up during their designated age bracket slot to join in the game.
How to support and get involved
The event is open to all members of the public, whether attending to play on the pitch, cheer from the sidelines on August 23 at the Prince Philip Centre on Scott Hall Avenue in Chapeltown (LS7 2HJ).
Anyone wishing to take part in the match can simply turn up at the ground during their age group’s allocated time slot to join the game, with friends and family encouraged to tag along.
For those unable to make it down on the day, supporters can contribute directly to the team's travel fund via the official Crowdfunder website.
Local businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the event, donating food, or offering raffle prizes are invited to contact lead organiser Victoria directly.