Looking back at Kicking Off Against Cancer’s incredible world record attempt for the longest football match EVER!
As the United Kingdom is currently under new guidelines from the Government to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re taking a look back at some of the positive things that have happened at Cardiff City House of Sport in recent years.
Kicking Off Against Cancer is a registered charity with the aim to help and support those who are affected by cancer, by providing respite for people going through treatment and helping them make memories that will last forever.
In July 2019, KOAC arrived at Cardiff City House of Sport’s Air Dome facility at Cardiff International Sports Campus to begin a challenging journey of endurance, as they set up to complete the world’s longest marathon of 11-a-side football.
Having planned months in advance, KOAC had only targeted 135 hours to beat the original record of 108 hours. However, two teams in Germany smashed the record just weeks before their planned attempt and added an extra 60 hours in a bid to prevent any other team from attempting the new record.
Despite the news from Germany, KOAC pushed on with their planned event with the majority of players agreeing to still play with the extra hours added onto their goal time, showing their determination in raising money for an incredible cause.
After an entire week of playing football (169 hours), with only a break once every 12 hours, the two teams had completed the challenge. Friends, families and media outlets attended for the final whistle celebrations, witnessing an amazing piece of history at Cardiff City House of Sport’s Air Dome.
Kicking Off Against Cancer raised more than £22,000. We’d like to thank the organisation once again for choosing Cardiff City House of Sport as their designated venue for this event!
Go to KOAC’s official website to learn more about their charity, and to read their in depth and personalised match report.
Photos by Jones & Jones Photography.
CONTACT
For any enquiries, call 02920002555, or email info@cardiffcityhouseofsport.co.uk.