SCOTLAND star Gregor Townsend will kick off a 24-hour rugby match during a fundraiser to net cash to build the first 3G pitch in the Borders.

The sponsored event, which also includes a 24-hour football match, has been organised by 'Netherdale - The Next Generation' (NTNG) - the local group set-up to lead the £950,000 project in Galashiels.

It has already raised most of the money needed to develop the ground at Gala Fairydean Football Club into a full-size Fifa Two Star all-weather pitch suitable for both rugby and football.

However, NTNG, which is made up of representatives from local football and rugby clubs, the Scottish Football Association (SFA), Scottish Rugby Union (SRU), Scottish Borders Council, Borders College and SportScotland, is hoping to raise a further £6000.

The matches will bring together all youth, junior and senior rugby and football clubs in the town, as well as students from Borders College.

They will be joined by Townsend, an ambassador for the project, who kicked off his career at Netherdale, which is also home to Gala Rugby Club.

The Scotland coach will pull on both his rugby and football boots to support the project, which also includes the construction of a new five-a-side pitch, by playing an hour of each sport.

The fundraiser kicks off on Saturday, September 18, at noon. And the final ball will be kicked at 12noon on Sunday, September 19. NTNG chairman Jos Ritchie, who is also chairman of Gala Fairydean, said: "This is a one off event with the aim of developing sport at its grassroots in the Borders and I would encourage everyone in Galashiels to come down to Netherdale over the weekend and support this fantastic project.

"We have already seen a tremendous commitment from everyone in the town with an interest in the development of rugby and football and we are keen to cement those relationships for future generations." He added: "It is going to be hard going, especially for some of the adult players who will have to set their alarms for the early hours of Sunday morning but it is hoped the whole town will turn out to show their support." It is hoped that former Scotland footballer John Collins, who grew up in Galashiels and is also a patron of the project, will also be able to join in the fundraiser. To coincide with the event, a car boot sale is also being held in car park at Netherdale on Sunday, September 19, from 9am to 2pm. The family fun day will also include sideshows and a barbecue.

For more information or to book a stall, contact Fred Blackie on 07814974458. Donations can also be made to the project by contacting Jos Ritchie on 07879845735.