YOUNGSTERS with a West Fife football club have given coronavirus a new name in preparation for racking up miles for the NHS.

Inverkeithing United's magnificent seven of Josh Kinnear, Jayden Semple, Liam Smith, Ellis Tooley, Jack MacLaurin, Cole Stirling and Elliot Clarkson will, next month, embark on a 'COVID-190 Mile Challenge' to support healthcare workers.

They will all complete the challenging distance – which measures 306 kilometres – by running and cycling which, combined, will see them take on a staggering 2,142km, or 1,330 miles.

Jamie Kinnear, who helped the club reform three years ago, explained that son Josh – whose mum, Sara McCallum, works at Queen Margaret Hospital – came up with the idea, and was joined quickly by team-mate Jayden.

Five more players followed in getting involved, and Jamie explained: "We've been keeping the boys active with various challenges with Strava (a running and cycling tracking app).

"Initially, we set the boys weekly challenges; at first it was a mile, then it went up to two, then it went to a 5K and a 10K. My own lad, whose mum works for the NHS, spoke to me and suggested doing a more difficult challenge.

"It was him who came up with the idea, and we came up with the name COVID-190. They've got 153km to run, and 153km to cycle, so that's roughly 10km every day in May. It's a tough challenge for boys aged around 13.

"We put the word out around the parents that Josh was doing it, and his team-mate, Jayden, then said he wanted to join. Now there's seven of them who have signed up.

"It's taken off and really grown arms and legs."

Within just 24 hours of launching a just giving page, £430 had been raised, and more than £800 had been donated at the time of writing.

"I think that with everything he's seen on social media, and the Thursday clapping, Josh wanted to do something," Jamie continued.

"For him to see that his mum works at a hospital, and everything that's going on, it was a logical thing to go and do something for a good cause.

"His mum has worked for the NHS for a few years but has never encountered anything like this. It's difficult for staff across the UK, and his mum is proud.

"Nothing is ever easy and we're always encouraging the kids to get out of their comfort zone. Hats off to the other kids, although I think they might have had some gentle encouragement from their parents!

"If we can do our wee bit, and raise a bit of money for the NHS, then we will all be very proud."

To donate to Inverkeithing United's 'COVID-190 Mile Challenge', visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/josh-jayden-190-mile-challenge.