PLAYING two full 90 minute games back to back would leave the fittest footballers’ totally worn out.

But 36 players are set to take on the match to end all matches in an astonishing 100 hour game in Southampton.

They will literally eat, breathe and sleep football as the mammoth match is set to go non-stop both day and night to break the Guinness World Record for the longest football game.

It will mean the players will even sleep on the pitch side as well having all their meals there during the challenge.

The event has been organised by the Testlands Support Project to help their work providing sport training and mentoring for children at schools across the city in all aspects of their lives.

It will take place at Saints St Mary’s Stadium from May 31 to June 4.

Chairman of Testlands Support Project Luke Newman, said: “We have never done things normal and we want to do things that will stretch us.

“A lot of the players are season ticket holders at St Mary’s and they signed up even before they knew where the game would be held.

“I believe that every player will be able to complete it physically but it is the whether they are all mentally ready to push barriers for their team-mates.”

Daily Echo:

The footballers in training

News of the event comes as the Daily Echo is backing Saints #WeMarchOn campaign with the side still pushing for a place in Europe next season which continues on Saturday when the Saints Ronald Koeman’s play take on Aston Villa today.

The record breaking charity match will be watched by hundreds of children from 11 schools in Hampshire.

To cope with the longevity of the game, sleeping bags will be provided to players on the sidelines and there will be a ‘roll on roll off’ substituting system.

The 36 players have been in training for months ahead of the game with two or three training session each week to prepare them for the strains of the match.

Luke added: “It will be one of those rare games where players probably can’t wait to be subbed off.”

The match will be watched by hundreds of children from 11 schools in Hampshire and will be open for spectators for a small fee each day from 5pm to 8pm.

To find out more or donate visit testlands-support-project.org.uk