AN AFTERNOON of football is exhausting for most people, but one group is attempting to play an indoor match non-stop for almost two days.

Students from Oxford Brookes University will attempt to break the world record for the longest game of Futsal.

Futsal is a five-a-side game recognised by both Uefa and Fifa, football’s governing bodies, and is played indoors.

Sponsorship and donations will go to Maggie’s Oxford, a centre that provides information and support for cancer patients at the Churchill Hospital.

The group hope to play for 45 hours, beating the current world record of 40 hours held by a Norwegian team.

Charlie Sole, 22, came up with the idea after seeing Futsal last year while on placement in Brazil.

He said: “It’s a game that’s really kicking off in the UK.”

Each squad will have 12 players who will rotate shifts with Mr Sole’s Futsole team taking on the university’s team.

Beds on the sidelines and a sleep manager will be put on to ensure all of those taking part get enough shut-eye.

Mr Sole said the event would raise the profile of the game here in the UK and hopefully help British players learn more skills like the world-renowned Brazilian stars.

He said: “You recover the ball a lot more than in normal football, so it’s beneficial for your skills.

“The reason Spanish and Brazilian players are better is because they teach futsal and so they touch the ball a lot more.

“The game has a lot of stop and start, so we’re doing sprint training and interval training.

“It’s hard work but I’m really excited about it.

“I’ll probably be more nervous nearer the time.

“It’s the later shifts that we’re all worried about.”

Rollo Hovey, 22, captain of the university team, said: “Charlie very kindly made me captain for this event.

“He said it’s because I’m the loudest person who can carry on talking after 45 hours.

“I’m not sure what to make of that – think I’ll take it as a compliment.”

Maggie’s centre head Claire Marriott said: “I would like to say good luck to everyone involved in the world record attempt.

“Attempting to play indoor football for 45 hours is a huge challenge, but everyone at Maggie’s is incredibly grateful to all who are taking part.”

To sponsor the team, visit justgiving.com/worldrecordfutsalmarathon

The match will begin at the Oxford Brookes University Centre for Sports on Sunday at 6pm.