Student priests prepare for football battle

A number of student priests from Rome's theological colleges will be competing in a football World Cup, according to reports.

Italy are the current holders of the professional tournament trophy and amateurs from Rome's seminaries will be hoping to bring home the Clericus Cup as well.

Whether they'll be any head-butting incidents is another matter, as most players are likely to be on their best behaviour.

Should any foul play be spotted, players can be shown the 'blue card' resulting in them being sent off for five minutes giving them time to reflect on their poor behaviour.

Edio Costantini, head of the Italian Sporting Centre, told Reuters: "We want to raise the awareness of current and future leaders of parishes and church communities of the educational and pastoral importance of sport."

The tournament will be the first of its kind for student priests, with all trainee clergy looking to dazzle the crowd with some skills to pay the spiritual bills.