FIVE football fans from a disabilities charity in Christchurch are undertaking a whistle-stop tour of 92 grounds in 92 hours to raise awareness of autism.

The ‘92 in 92’ team comprises Damian Brown, Nicky Edwards, Cara Kirby, Alistair Reed and James Underwood - a mix of teachers and teaching assistants from Autism Unlimited’s Portfield School in Parley.

The team will give up part of their Easter holidays to drive 2,400 miles between the football clubs in the Premiership, Championship, League One and League Two - top 92 teams in the county.

Portfield School teaching assistant and avid Newcastle United supporter, Alistair Reed, said: “We all love football. We love watching matches, going to home games and travelling to away games.

“So, when it was suggested that we should drive to each football ground in the top four divisions in 92 hours, we thought: Why not?”

“Everything is sorted – we have transport, the route to follow and a schedule to keep to. We also have the drive and energy to help raise both awareness of Autism Unlimited and raise money for the charity to help it continue its amazing work.”

Their journey begins at Portfield School at 4pm on Wednesday April 20, with the team’s first stop at St Mary’s Stadium, home of Southampton FC.

The quintet will document their journey on social media as they go, ending their epic adventure at AFC Bournemouth at 11am on Saturday April 23, prior to the scheduled match against Fulham FC.

The 92 in 92 team hopes to attract both individual and corporate sponsorship through its efforts and have set themselves an ambitious target of £92,000.

CEO of Autism Unlimited Siún Cranny said: “I am so proud of these guys taking on this amazing challenge. They all make a huge difference to young lives, not only teaching and supporting students of Portfield School, but also supporting Autism Unlimited and raising money to help develop new services for autistic people.

“Football, and exercise generally, is so beneficial to autistic people in social communication, mental and physical wellness.

“I really hope that everyone gets behind them and shows lots of support, helping them to reach their target.”

The team can be sponsored at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/AU92in92Challenge.