A GROUP of footballers will play a match on top of a mountain as part of a challenge to raise money for charity.

Fourteen players, aged 18 to 32, from Ryshworth Rangers are tackling the Yorkshire Three Peaks on Saturday - and they will take part in a seven-a-side match at the top of Ingleborough.

The 24-mile challenge - which also includes the peaks of Pen-y-ghent and Whernside - is in aid of the Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity, and the players are hoping to raise at least £2,000.

Club founder Elliott Horan, who set up Bingley-based Rangers last September, said the idea of playing on top of a mountain came from a teammate.

He said: “A lad in our team, a Scottish lad called Aly, did something similar in Scotland and thought why not try it with this club?

“Ingleborough is the flattest peak on the top. It is basically like a table top. We will use four slalom poles for goalposts and play a 30-minute game up there.”

On raising money for the charity, Mr Horan, 28, said: “At Ryshworth Rangers we are a team all about our local community and helping in any way towards a selected charity in the local area.

“This year we have chosen the Bradford Hospitals Children’s Charity, which is a registered charity. Donations are used to enhance the patient experience over and above the core services or facilities that are funded by the government.

“Many of our players have either gained injuries or spent long periods in hospital at some point in our lives.

“We all agreed that this is a very great cause and helps parents and children enjoy their stay in hospital a little more.

“We plan on taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks and many people have done this, but not one football club has ever done this and attempted a mini-game of football at the top of Ingleborough.

“We are literally playing football at the highest level when we get there.”

Mr Horan, who insisted those taking part were aiming to fulfill their playing duties the next day in the Bradford Sunday Alliance league, said the fundraiser was instead of the Bingley Charity Cup he organises, which he says is taking a break this year.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Ryshworth-Rangers.