Oskar (11) steps up for Invergordon club by completing 21-mile trek to Inverness

AN inspiring young Easter Ross footballer has gone the extra mile to support volunteers who help a club at the heart of the community tick.

And eleven-year-old Oskar Bell's plucky 21-mile sponsored walk effort scored with supporters who helped him smash a fundraising target and net almost £2000 for the cause.

Joined by mum Lauren Bell and granny Pam Brown, Oskar stepped up to safeguard the future of Invergordon Junior Football Club.

Oskar, who plays for the club's under-12 team, walked for almost eight hours to complete the gruelling Invergordon to Inverness challenge.

Lauren said: "My son loves to play football and wants that to continue. Invergordon Juniors is run by people giving up their own time to keep it going so that the kids have a club they can call their own. There are lots of great humans involved in the running of the club from the chairman, to the coaches, treasurer and other admin staff, as well as the wonderful fundraising team.

"The club has some sponsors but relies on help from the parents and players to raise funds. So, we decided to do a walking challenge to raise funds for the club and do our part in making sure it continues on."

The promising young player initially set a target of £500 after launching a JustGiving page. But a remarkable response from the community and other supporters of the club has seen over 100 people chip in to raise almost £1900.

The trio took inspiration from the home of Scotland's national football team – Hampden Park in Glasgow. They decided to match the capacity of the stadium – 51,886 seats – by converting the number into steps.

Lauren said: "The amount of steps roughly works out at as 21 miles – which just happens to be the distance between our home town in Invergordon and the city of Inverness. This became our goal and we have trained all throughout the summer for it."

Oskar said: "Even though it took us 7 hours 50 minutes, it didn’t feel like that. People were tooting horns and waving – but the last five miles were the hardest. Sometimes I wanted to give up, but I kept going as I wanted to achieve it and get the money for the club so they can have new things and maybe go on trips like other clubs do."

He added: "I love playing for the club and want it to continue, as I love football and it's a place I can see all my friends and have fun."

The club said: "Everyone involved with IJFC would like to say a massive well done and thank you to Oskar for helping to raise money for the club. Thank you and once again well done."

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