Sam doing all-nighter with football team near Brackley in aid of Sport Relief

Sam Capel of Halse United has organized a 24 hour footbal match for Sport Relief at Brackley Leisure Centre. Sam Capel, right, Nicky Jones of The Chequered Flag pub is staying open, 4th from right, Becky Capel, 3rd from right and Brian Taylor, chair, South Northants Leisure Trust, 2nd from right, with coaches, parents, Halse united players and supporters. NNL-160315-181811009

Sam Capel plays for Halse United’s under-12s side and he will kick off his charity venture with fellow teammates at 6pm tomorrow (Friday) at the town’s leisure centre.

Sam’s mother Becky said: “We have got lots of teams taking part including four teams from DLC in Brackley and one from Apex in Stratford-upon-Avon. What has touched me the most though is someone as young as Sam thinking of something like this and sending emails to the leisure centre to see if he could hold the event.

“I am so proud of him. I think at his age it is really easy to take things for granted and one day when we were having dinner he told us that he wanted to do something to help others. It is quite inspiring.”

Sport Relief takes place this year from March 18-20 and will see thousands of people across the country either run, swim, cycle or walk in events to raise money and help change the lives of those in need.

Fifty per cent of funds raised with be spent in the UK helping sporting projects, with the remaining 50 per cent going to some of the world’s poorest communities.

And the Magdalen College School pupil has already got support from the Chequered Flag pub in Lark Rise, who will provide food and drink to all 17 teams taking part and he will continue through until 6pm on Saturday. People are also invited to the leisure to cheer the teams on.

And it is a family affair at Halse United with Sam’s father Simon running the team, and Mrs Capel said : “We have got friends and family who are taking part in the event but it is going to be a long night!

“It’s a really like a family club and great to be a part of . We’ve got a blend of players who have never played football before and those who have. The children really enjoy their football and have fun doing it too.”