YOUNG leaders at Blackburn’s £6million Youth Zone will be playing their part in a world record attempt this weekend.

From Saturday, a 16-strong squad will try and set the Guinness World Record for the longest five-a-side football match played.

Players from Blackburn College, mda, Forbes, Napthens, Graham and Brown, Micro P and the Youth Zone will taken on the endurance challenge.

The event will see 19-year-old Sam Ali referee the matches while fellow young leader Abdul Noor, 18, will participate.

Former young leader Aeman Ali Afzal, 19, has supported events manager Laura Jones in meeting the rules and regulations set down by Guinness as to documenting the event through video and photography. The Lancashire Telegraph is campaigning to raise £60,000 to train 100 young leaders to help improve Blackburn with Darwen. Laura said: “We are delighted to have young leaders supporting us in our aim to raise funds for the Youth Zone. Hopefully, their hard work and dedication will enable us to break the current record.”

Former Blackburn Rovers’ stars Alan Shearer and Kevin Gallacher have pledged their support of the world record attempt. Mr Shearer, who is an ambassador of the Youth Zone, said: "The Blackburn Youth Zone Guinness world record attempt is a great way to challenge yourself in aid of a worthy cause and have the chance to be a world record holder at the same time.

"I'm confident the people of Blackburn with Darwen will pull together to smash the 53-hour current record and look forward to hearing that the title is brought to Blackburn."

Former Rovers striker Mr Gallacher added: “I wish the 16 supporters luck going for longest five-a-side football match. Keep drinking plenty of fluids, pass and move the ball and don't fall asleep while trying a step over it!”

n On Monday: Find out why Sam Ali credits the Youth Zone with keeping him out of prison.