Two Lurgan schoolboys have committed to running 25k this January to help get them “on the road to Barcelona”.
The pair, Cillian and Patrick are both avid footballers and took part in trials during the Summer to represent Team NI at the Home Nations Cup 2026.
Of course, after “a nervous wait” both boys were selected to join the team!
A Crowd Funder with a target of £1,000 has now been launched to help get the boys to Barcelona this April where they will play against fierce competition including teams from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Ireland, Scotland, England.
The fundraising page explains: “The boys were delighted and as parents, we could not be more proud of these lads.”
But the trip comes with considerable expense. Unwilling to let a little thing like finances stand in the way the dynamic duo decided to run a total of 25 kilometres throughout January to help them fundraise their trip.
They will complete their total of 25k by completing five individual 5k runs during the month.
The fundraiser adds: “As they are only eight-years-old, this will not be easy but these lads are resilient and will overcome anything. It will also help strengthen their determination to succeed.”
At the time of writing, they have already raised over £800 and a Facebook page has also been created to document their efforts in video and pictures.
On New Year’s Day the friends made it one-out-of-five, taking on their first 5k around South Lake.
“Any help for the boys would be fantastic and will give them great satisfaction in knowing they worked hard for their own achievement,” continues the fundraiser.
“For any businesses who wish to contribute, it can be used as a form of promotion as we have room available to add company logos to the playing skips.
“All of the funds will be put towards training costs, playing kits, flights, accommodation and food.
“Thank you all in advance for your support and we hope you enjoy the journey just as much as us.”
You can make a donation to the Crowd Funding page for Cillian and Patrick here.
