FOOTBALL managers often let their players do the hard work when it comes to exercise and fitness.

But Martyn Walder of Oxford's Barton United club decided to cycle almost 200 miles himself to send his young players on a soccer trip.

Youth team manager Mr Walder cycled from Plymouth to Barton to raise money for his under-10s squad towards a tournament trip to Cornwall next year.

The Parcel Force worker, 34, also raised cash for the Stroke Association, and still has donations flooding in.

Mr Walder, of Yarnton, completed the 196-mile ride in just 21 hours.

He said: "My body is completely aching now, but it's was great to do.

"I thought it would be great if we could go to a summer football tournament in Cornwall. Doing the bike ride I thought I could raise money to subsidise it.

"I'm also raising money for the Stroke Association. We have started to get some funds in since I'm doing it but we are still open for donations."

Mr Walder, whose son Jacob, eight, plays for Barton United under 10s, set off from Plymouth on Thursday and only stopped for the occasional five minutes to take on energy snacks and water.

He thanked Parcel Force for organising support vehicles for the trip.

He added: "It was tough at points, but it's just pushing it out there, my work was a great help with the support vehicles for the ride "My body has taken a pounding.

"There were some back roads and it was hilly in places like Devon. I'm very proud to have done it.

"The response from the parents and everyone has been great. When you're struggling it pushes you through.

"The reaction I'm getting since finishing has been absolutely amazing."

Mr Walder said he hoped to raise about £300 for the Stroke Association and as much as possible to subsidise the tournament trip., which could cost up to £4,000.

Barton United chairman Mick Beesley praised the coach for his efforts.

He added: "The kids will love the tournament if they get away. I used to take my son and we always enjoyed it.

"It's a great effort from Martyn."