Mirus IT kicks off training for world-record football attempt

Reseller aiming to raise £10,000 in 72-hour five-a-side match

Staff at reseller Mirus IT are training hard ahead of a world-record attempt to play in the longest-ever five-a-side football match.

Some 16 of the reseller's 77 staff members will take part in the event next spring in the hope of raising £10,000 for local children's charity Milton Keynes Community Foundation.

At the moment, the world record for the longest game of five-a-side football stands at 50 hours, but the firm is aiming to reach the 72-hour mark. Back in November the firm did a trial run in which it hoped to play for 24 hours in a row but could only manage around 14 due to lack of players.

In the world-record attempt, ten staff will play at all times but a rotational system will be in place to ensure players have time off to rest. Players will be on the pitch for four hours at a time with alternating two-hour rest periods.

The firm's boss Paul Tomlinson said the trial run helped him realise what needed to be done in order to make the 72-hour effort more achievable and since drafted in support from a local college whose sports science and catering students will be on hand with sports massages, nutritional advice and food.

Mirus has already raked in some cash from personal and supplier donations and hopes to smash the £10,000 mark by the game next April. Details on donations can be found here.