DEDICATED football coaches are bracing themselves for a keep-fit fundraiser to buy 'sport-safe glasses' for children in their teams.

Ten coaches at Stanway Rovers Girls Football Club will be attempting 100 press-ups, 100 squats and 100 burpees every day in May.

They hope to raise at least £2,000 to buy 15 pairs of glasses from Colchester optician Bethell and Clark.

Leo King, who manages the under-12 girls and Stanway ladies' teams, said: "It's going to be quite a challenge and no mean feat, especially as most of us coaches are 40-plus.

"But it's very important to us, to keep the girls safe while playing the sport they love.

"We currently have 15 girls that would benefit from sport-safe glasses and that's why we've committed to this month-long fundraiser throughout May.

"Since starting four years ago, we've been immensely proud of the number of girls that have joined our club.

"Across our teams we have a number who wear glasses and we want to support them, to continue playing football in a safe, inclusive environment.

"Everyday glasses are not suitable for playing football as they can cause harm to both the wearer or opposition, should the ball hit them or a collision occur.

"That's why we've made it our mission to make sure every girl can have access to sports glasses - tougher, more robust eyewear especially designed for sport.

"To buy the glasses can be expensive, though, especially when children's prescriptions change as they grow.

"It's therefore a worthy challenge that will help keep girls safe and save parents worrying about the extra cost.

"After a tough year, we want to save them the added expense."

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Bethell and Clark have offered a discount and sponsor one of the Rovers teams.

First, though, the coaches have to complete their gruelling challenge.

"It's going to be a tough month for us coaches," added Mr King, 47.

"We're a caring but slightly mad bunch and the plan is to do 100 press-ups, 100 squats and 100 burpees next month - all with the hope of raising at least £2,000.

"We're working hard to achieve funding through sponsorship and donations by completing the fitness challenge.

"We're using crowdfunding to collect sponsorship for our challenge and anyone who would like to support us can head HERE.

"We'd be so grateful for any donation, no matter how big or small, because every little bit will help our girls."