Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness will hold Australia’s first 24-hour football match this Saturday to raise money for victims of the Queensland floods.
The two teams of 11 players and reserves – about 80 players in total – will play continuously from kickoff at 4pm on Saturday 19 February until the match ends at 4pm on Sunday.
It will be the first event of its kind in Australia.
The event will include appearances from former Socceroos midfielder Craig Foster and goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.
Foster played 29 international matches for the Socceroos and is now a recognised sports commentator for the SBS.
He will play the opening hour of the match on Saturday.
Bosnich represented Australia 17 times and played for English Premier League teams Manchester United and Chelsea.
“Over the last few weeks the damage caused by floods in Queensland has been horrific. Many communities have been devastated and some families have lost everything,” said Andrew Tilley, one of the organisers of the event.
“We really encourage individuals and businesses to support us by playing and donating, or just donating, to such an important cause.”
More than $15,000 has already been raised for the Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal, with each player donating $100 to participate. Spectators will be able to make further donations to volunteers at the match.
The game will also feature entertainment for spectators, including a raffle, barbecue and music throughout the evening.
Although the game won’t be the longest ever – that honour goes to a match in the UK last year, according to the Guinness World Records – it still should be quite a spectacle.
“Who know’s what the scoreline will be,” Tilley added.
“I imagine that both teams will definitely hit the triple figure mark. At least there will be no chance of a boring nil-all draw!”
Event details
What: Sydney Uni Sport and Fitness 24 hour football challenge
When: 4pm, Saturday 19 February until 4pm, Sunday 20 February
Where: ‘The Square’, Western Avenue, Camperdown Campus
