Pair gallop to a new sprint world record

Jul 6 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

But keepie uppie bid fails to get off the ground

PLANS for North East youngsters to be part of a nationwide world record attempt fell flat yesterday when only a handful turned up.

The Brazilian Soccer School in North Tyneside was aiming to join 12 centres across the country to get 1,000 children and adults to take part in the Keepie Uppie challenge.

But only two youngsters showed up for the event.

The current record performed by simultaneous people stands at 634 people across 10 venues and involves juggling a size five football for 10 seconds.

Yesterday’s event at The Parks Sport and Leisure Centre in North Shields was staged to raise cash for Sir Bobby Robson’s cancer charity.

Despite the poor turnout youngster Jack Hartley, nine, of Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, said: “This was a lot of fun. I want to be a professional footballer when I’m older and it’s nice to help with Sir Bobby’s charity.”