TWO Saints FC players have swapped their footballs for guitar picks in a new charity single.
Danny Ings and Jack Stephens, are kicking off their musical talent by starring in Naomi's House and Jacksplace's charity single Forevermore - which has already had over 20,000 views online.
The football stars both got involved in the project after their guitar teacher Aidan Hampson was involved in the original recording of the song.
Aidan is in Southampton-based band Dlugokecki, alongside Ben Dlugokecki, who wrote the song for the charity - which provides expert hospice care to life-threatened children, young adults and their families.
Southampton FC forward, Danny Ings, said: “Naomi House and Jacksplace is a wonderful charity that does some really incredible work, so I was delighted to be able to support the Forevermore project and was very pleased to be asked to feature on the single.”
Defender, Jack Stephens, said: “Being asked to play on a charity single when you’re learning guitar was a little bit daunting, but I was really honoured to be a part of it. It’s for a tremendous cause, and I really hope people support it."
Naomi House and Jacksplace is now challenging local schools, music groups and community groups to create their own versions of Forevermore, to be submitted through a creative music video.
Lucy Gray, Regional Fundraiser for Naomi House and Jacksplace, said: “We were over the moon when we found out that football superstars, Danny and Jack, wanted to get involved in the Forevermore project.
"We’re so grateful to them for lending their excellent guitar skills to the song and hope their involvement will encourage even more people to get on board.”
The charity has called for all Saints fans to showcase their talents in the project, in a bid to raise money by hosting performances of the song.
Lucy continued: “We know that all football fans can sing at the top of their lungs, so fingers crossed all you Saints fans out there will get involved and make Forevermore your own.
"The song has been written as a track that is easy to sing and play. Huge thanks once again to Danny and Jack for your incredible support, and we look forward to working with you again in the future.”
Each participant will be entered into a competition, which will be judged by an expert music panel at the charity.
The winning group will receive a pressed vinyl of the song with the artwork sleeve designed by the children at Naomi House and Jacksplace, as well as the chance to perform for the charity in 2020.
The winning group and the group who raise the most money will also win a brand new Audient iD4 USB Audio Interface.
The closing date to enter is July 10 at 5pm.
To get involved, visit www.naomihouse.org.uk/forevermore.
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