Academy under-18s head coach David Oldfield and Academy Coach Mentor Mickey Turner are taking on the ultimate physical and mental challenge - starting on Friday, May 8.
Over a gruelling 24-hour period, they will be running, yomping, and porting their canoe all the way from Elland Road in Leeds to Anfield in Liverpool.
Navigating the Leeds-Liverpool Ship Canal, they are trekking between these two iconic sporting landmarks to promote a vital message: Physical and mental health are inseparable.
The pair will be set off from Elland Road by Ethan Ampadu, a former Grecian, and captain of Leeds United in the Premier League, they will then be met at Anfield by former City manager Alex Inglethorpe, and former Academy Coach Chad Gribble.
This journey isn't just about the miles; it's about the 90 locks and the pitch-black mile-long tunnel they must navigate along the way.
They are undertaking this mission to promote physical and mental well-being while raising vital funds for three incredible organisations: The Royal Marines Charity, The Not Forgotten Association, and Exeter City FC Academy.
Part of the challenge is to promote and look for support for an app that Micky has been working on behind the scenes. Inspired by the incredible grit of Mickey Turner's Cockleshell Endeavour Atlantic crossing. The revolutionary ICE (In Case of Emergency) app has born from a mission to challenge mental health struggles, this app is a lasting legacy designed to protect the physical and mental wellbeing of our young sportsmen, sportswomen, and their families.
In the high-pressure world of sports, knowing you aren't alone is everything. The app connects users with their "Guardian Angels" -a trusted circle of friends and family.
- The "I'm Okay" Button: A simple click to let your loved ones know you're safe and well.
- The "SOS" Button: If you find yourself in a difficult situation-whether it's a medical emergency or a mental health crisis-one click alerts your Guardian Angels. It ensures help is on the way and points you toward the professional support you need to recover.
By introducing this app to clubs like Leeds United and Liverpool FC, they aim to ensure that every young athlete has a digital "Guardian Angel" in their pocket.
Speaking about taking on the challenge, Micky said: "I like to throw myself into a challenge and a bit similar to the Atlantic Challenge we are back on the water!
"We are going to try and link the football community. Ourselves, Leeds United and Liverpool. Academy graduate and Leeds Captain Ethan Ampadu is going to set us off from Elland Road. We are then going to run with a Military Kayak a few miles to the Canal and then paddle our way to Liverpool in 24-hours via 90 locks, 2 tunnels and some dark hours - to be met by Alex Inglethorpe and Chad Gribble at Anfield.
"The driving force behind this was when I rode the Atlantic for mental health I wanted to have some longevity and I think that's what we will get from this. I don't think I was well enough for a while to talk about this as I had some dark times on the water. But now I really want to get on with this and talk about mental and physical health and support three important charities."
How to support them
You can donate to Micky and David by clicking here.
Every donation helps them to push through the fatigue. Money raised will go to three incredible organisations: The Royal Marines Charity, The Not Forgotten Association, and Exeter City FC Academy