STUDENTS will be completing a 24-hour football challenge to raise money for new school sporting equipment.

The Wellington Academy pupils will be tackling the lengthy sporting challenge on Friday, 16 March to raise funds for a new indoor climbing wall.

In total, 48 students will be taking part in the football challenge, with a similar number taking part in a netball challenge two weeks later. Each student is trying to raise at least £25 in sponsorship money with prizes available to the students who raises the most.

The participants are hoping to raise £2,500 which will make a significant contribution to the indoor climbing wall project.

Richard Woodley, subject leader for PE at The Wellington Academy said: “As for the wall, we’re hoping to develop an indoor space where students can experience a new sport right here on our school site.

“Climbing should help the students develop confidence, leadership and communication skills during core PE lessons as well as allowing students on examination courses to master a new set of skills.

“We also aim to introduce a new climbing club to the academy for students to take part in and will make the wall available to local youth

groups for them to use.”