Young Axminster footballers are fundraising for a once-in-a-life opportunity.

Axminster Town Under 13s will be playing in a European competition next season and will run out onto the famous Parc des Princes, the home of Paris St Germain.

Manager of the Under 13s Sam Dibling has confirmed his team has entered the Europa Cup.

The players are busy fundraising to meet the costs of taking part in the tournament.

Mr Dibling told Nub News Sport: "We are looking to raise the entry fee of £1,200. We are taking 14 players from our Under 13s team who are helping raise some of the money by cycling 358 miles, the distance it is from Axminster to Paris.

"So far we have got 100 miles on the clock with one visit to Tesco supermarket collecting money while cycling on an exercise bike."

The club has set up site for those who wish to make a donation - https://gofund.me/3e0c272b

Axminster Town has one of the most progressive and successful youth sections in local football with teams from six to under 15s.

Club ambassador Ray Self commented: "This is a great opportunity for our youngsters to play on the same pitch as the great Lionel Messi and other world class footballers.

"It demonstrates what a forward thinking club Axminster Town is and having such a vibrant youth section will reap dividends in the future as the players work their way trough the system to the senior sides."

All youth teams have qualified FA coaches and have completed criminal record checks.

The coaches encourage the children to develop their football skills which in turn build personal confidence and provide munch needed social interaction along with opportunities to make new friends from outside their respective schools.

Those interested in getting involved should contact club chairman Andy Hurford on 07795 217160.