COACHES and parents are looking to scale some heights when they tackle a mountain of a challenge for a Basingstoke youth rugby club.

A party of eight, made up of coaches, parents and friends of the Basingstoke Rugby Football Club Under 9s team, will be undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge, to benefit the youngsters.

The challenge will see the group make their way to the top of the three tallest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales, Scafell Pike, Ben Nevis and Snowdon respectively, for an ascent of a grand total of 3,064 metres over the course of 24 hours.

The under 9s team will be looking to tour next year, and while they are sponsored, more cash will need to be raised in order to take the squad on the road.

The team’s manager, Sharon Allen, said: “While it is great to be sponsored, we are looking to try and take the team on the road next year, and that requires us to raise funds, which would normally have to paid by the children.

“A few parents decided to try and raise some of the money by doing the challenge, which then went from strength to strength, as others decided to volunteer.”

The challenge is set to take place on Friday, 29 March, with recent bad weather not dampened spirits.

Sharon added: “Personally, I think they are mad, but some of them have said that it is on their bucket list.

“We are very grateful to them for doing it, and wish them good luck.”

While some of the adults will be climbing mountains, it does not mean that the 40-strong youth team will be relaxing.

Throughout the day, the youth team members will be joining in taking turns on a treadmill back at the club, to support the adults and tie everything in.

Sharon said: “The kids are all really excited, and are looking forward to giving it a go.”

For more information, or to support the group, go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/u9s-basingstoke-rugby.