Players from the Fryston under 16 squad are planning dances, supermarket bag packs, raffles and other events so they can show off their skills in the prestigious US Cup.

Hundreds of teams from across the world will thrash it out for glory in the competition in July.

Team coach Darren Burchall said: “This is a bunch of lads from quite a deprived area and I think it would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in a contest with 1,000 other teams.

“Everyone is working in unison to plan and hold events as well as collect the cash so it’s also teaching them valuable skills and getting the community involved.”

The team, which trains at Fryston WMC off Borrowdale Drive, Castleford, are also searching for sponsorship to help them meet their target.

Mr Burchall, an ICT teacher at Airedale High School, added: “Almost all of the £15,000 to £17,000 we need is to pay for flights.

“The school is very involved as I’m a teacher and all but one of the boys studies here.

“We hope that people will get in touch with any ideas or ways they can help.”

To help the team call Mr Burchall on 0751 506 6726 or email mrdaz@hotmail.co.uk.