A JUNIOR football team climbed Mount Snowdon to raise money so they can continue to practise throughout the winter.

Walshaw Panthers U9s made the 1,085m assent to the highest summit in Wales in difficult conditions, with the youngsters’ – and their parents’ – resilience shining through.

A total of 23 juniors and adults took part in the feat after gathering signatures for sponsorship donations that will go towards funding flood-lit training sessions once a week on artificial 3G pitches on dark, cold nights.

Rebecca Cross, 35, who took part in the climb with her son Bailey who plays for the Panthers, said: “I am so proud of the efforts from the boys but also the adults as it was a difficult climb.

“We faced gale force winds but the boys were so determined to get to the top.”

She added at times the adults had to hold hands with the boys to make sure everybody stayed upright against the wind.

“What amazing memories have been made, and hopefully we will now be able to fund the winter sessions with the sponsor money,” said Mrs Cross.

“It was an amazing effort from all involved, and I personally believe all the boys deserve the recognition.”

Mrs Cross added if any businesses or individuals would like to sponsor them it would be “amazing”, and asked people to visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/WalshawPanthersU9s.

Bailey Cross, eight, said: “It was a really big challenge especially because of the wind and it was really difficult to stand up at times.

“I was so happy when we got to the top and I am very proud of my friends and the mums and dads who came.”