A GROUP of 40 young players from Caldy Rugby Club has taken part in a unique fundraising walk along the Wirral Way.

The members of the club's winning Under15s rugby squad walked the length of the Wirral Way from Hooton to West Kirby on Saturday June 15, covering a distance of 12.2 miles.

The group, who are raising money to fund the ‘Tour of all Tours’ in 2025, set themselves the extra challenge of 'keeping the ball alive' – moving and off the floor – for the entire distance of their walk.

One of the most successful age groups in the region, in recent seasons the U15 team has competed with and beaten some of the best teams in Wirral, Cheshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Midlands, and North and Mid Wales.

They recently won the Cheshire Bowl, an annual knockout club competition organised by the Cheshire RFU.

Cian Halpenny (Hilbre High School), Harry Armstrong (Birkenhead School), Ethan Evans (St Anselm’s College), Tom Ward (Wirral Grammar), Ben Roberts (Calday Grammar) at Hadlow Road Railway Station on the Wirral Way, near the start of their fundraising walkCian Halpenny (Hilbre High School), Harry Armstrong (Birkenhead School), Ethan Evans (St Anselm’s College), Tom Ward (Wirral Grammar), Ben Roberts (Calday Grammar) at Hadlow Road Railway Station on the Wirral Way, near the start of their fundraising walk (Image: McWatt & Jones PR and marketing)

Next year, the squad plans to challenge itself even further by taking the challenge to Europe. The tour itinerary has yet to be finalised, but it is likely to take place in the rugby heartland of Northern Italy.

Nigel Millington, U15s team manager at Caldy RFC said: "Many of these excellent players have been training together since they were four and five years old.

"They are a tight group of talented young rugby players and just great kids.

"Our fundraising will continue throughout the year, and we are hoping to secure sponsors to support the squad’s journey as they continue to develop into talented junior – and ultimately senior – rugby players."

Funds raised by the squad - which features students from Hilbre High School, Calday Grammar, Birkenhead School, St Anselm's College, Wirral Grammar and Pensby High School will be used to help families fund the tour.

The U15s are also looking for sponsorship, with a number of opportunities available including sponsoring the team’s tour kit bundle.