A STUDENT from Hitchin is lacing up his boots in preparation for a Guinness World Record attempt to play the world’s longest football game this weekend.

Sam Whelan, 20, a psychology student at Loughborough University, is part of a team of 35 to play in the 60 hour match starting today (Friday), in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness.

He is taking on the challenge to support fellow player and organiser Ricardo Braganza, whose mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008.

“I’m really excited to take part in this mammoth match, as we’re raising money to support a very worthwhile cause,” said Sam.

“I know it will be tough to break the record but we’re all geared up for it, and can’t wait to get stuck in.

“We all want to be world record holders, so we’ll give it our all.”

Players will participate for two hours at a time with a one hour break inbetween, but cannot leave the pitch at any point during the attempt.

The length that the teams are playing equates to an entire Premier League season in one go, with extra time also included in that period.

The current record stands at just over 42 hours, and was set in Qatar in May.

If you would like to sponsor Sam, please visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/samwhelan