A GROUP of teenage footballers from Darwen are urging people to help them raise £15,000 in a bid to represent England in America.

The Akzo Nobel under 15s Green team has been invited to play in the prestigious Dallas Cup knockout competition between April 7 and 18 after applying to the organisers.

But before they can head off on their adventure, the team must still raise around £4,000 towards their flights, minibus hire in the US and insurance.

They have managed to reach the £11,000 mark by holding various events including a sponsored walk, bag packing at local supermarkets and a race night, as well as donations from local businesses, but still have a way to go.

Paul Boardman, who coaches the under 17s and one of the under 15s team, said: "We have been asked to represent England in our age group of the tournament. There will also be youth teams from Manchester United and Real Madrid but they will be in a different category because they are of a higher standard.

"It is a very prestigious competition but we need to raise a lot of money to pay for the trip. The children have all paid their own deposits and there is a parent contribution of £200.

"Any parents or coaches going are paying for their own flights but there are still the children's flights to pay for. We have also had three grants of around £1,700.

"It is a knockout competition so we will be playing three games initially but even if we went out at that stage we would play friendly games while we are there so we would get to play a lot of football."

Teams have been chosen to play in the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup XXVII based on their competitive performance.

Club Treasurer Chris Dixon said: "We had to send a history of our recent success and we were chosen based on that.

"We have won a couple of leagues on a number of occasions in the past few years including the Hyndburn and District League and the Accrington Boys League. We have also won various cups and reached the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup."

In previous years players and referees have travelled to Dallas from 98 countries.

Akzo Nobel under 15s, who will compete in the England strip during the Dallas Cup, play in the Hyndburn and District League.

To sponsor the team, contact Chris Dixon on 07768 045312.