A SOCCER marathon is kicking off with the final whistle due 36 hours later.
Manchester's Starball tournament will feature five-a-side teams playing in Albert Square to herald the arrival of the European Champions League trophy.
Holders Real Madrid hand over the cup this week in readiness for the final at Old Trafford in May and play Manchester Uunited in the quarter finals next week.
About 1,200 pupils and 68 adult teams from Manchester's different communities will compete for the Starball trophy.
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