Watch out Ronaldo! These Scots factory workers are attempting to steal your thunder in a world record seven-a-side game

Even the best footballers in the world could not shine on the pitch without spending hours honing their skills.

But now a group of Scots factory workers are trying to outshine the likes of Pele , Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo by attempting to set a brand new world record for the beautiful game.

The group of mixed ages up to their 50s and somewhat lacking in match-fitness will take part in the 24-hour challenge over the weekend.

And they hope to be joined by around 400 other volunteers to set the world record for the most participants in a seven-a-side game.

The marathon effort will kick off on Friday afternoon with players substituted every 10 minutes.

But even then, some will be cocking several hours on the pitch before the record attempt is over.

There will be 10 referees to officiate the game.

Staff at the Decorative Door Products (DDP) factory in Hawick decided to organise the event to raise money for MND Scotland after Kendra Law, the wife of long-standing employee James, developed the devastating illness last year.

The team in Hawick spotted there is no current world record for the most participants in a seven-a-side match - so decided to give it a go.

Managers Shona Redpath and Kevin Stratdee, of parent company RegaLead, said in the past staff have taken part in a cycle to raise fund for the Roal Dah'ls Marvellous Children Charity and added: 'We are all immensely proud of the team in Hawick who have come together in support of their long serving colleague whose partner has been directly affected by the onset of Motor Neurone Disease.

'It has been a while since our famous London to Paris charity cycle event, but with this affecting one of our own, we were keen to take the initiative.

'We have also been blown away by the reaction from the local community who have offered sponsorships, donations and support, with many committing to participating in the event.

'Attempting a world record is no mean feat and will be a great achievement for everyone involved, however raising awareness of this disease and funds for the amazing work of MND Scotland remains our priority.

'This world record attempt is something that we and the town are very excited by and come the final whistle we are confident we will be celebrating a historical achievement in aid of a fantastic cause.'

Mr Law said: 'The event organised by my colleagues in team DDP is incredible and raises awareness of this awful disease.'

Describing how he and his wife, who are both in their 50s, have coped since her diagnosis last June, he added: 'When we received the news from the neurologist, our worlds were turned upside down.

'We've made a conscious decision to live life to the full and spend our time making memories together.

'The journey so far has been difficult, but Kendra's strength throughout has been inspirational.'

Tom Coghill, another of the organising team, said: 'When we found out that Kendra had been diagnosed with MND in June 2023, we knew that we had to do something.

'Kendra is exuberant and full of life even in the shadow of this terrible disease. Initially it was believed Kendra may have suffered a stroke and cancer was a possibility, so we would like to highlight the need to seek medical insight and persevere for the correct diagnosis if you feel something is affecting your health.

'We decided with Kendra's full support to raise money for MND Scotland.'

The seven-a-side match is being hosted by Hawick Lindean Rugby Club who will have round-the-clock refreshments to ensure exhausted players can recuperate between sessions on the pitch.

Mr Coghill added many of the volunteers were fans of football and said: 'While our national team don't often do very well, we thought that through football we could try to create a lasting legacy.'

The DDP team aims to raise at least £10,000 for MND Scotland and were edging towards to the target by Thursday afternoon.

The charity funds research and provides support for people affected by the disease, which claimed the life of Scots rugby legend Doddie Weir in November 2022 aged just 52.

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