Representatives from Sheffield FC recently visited the township of Alexandra in South Africa to witness first hand just how the Boots for Africa campaign is making a difference to young African footballers.
Sheffield FC Operations Director Dave McCarthy (pictured) handed out donated pairs of football boots to the Under 15 players of local team, Alex Parma FC.
The young boys were delighted to receive the football boots, including brand new Puma football boots donated by LFE, and these will now be seen each week on the playing fields of Alexandra on the feet of happy Alex Parma FC players.
McCarthy commented,
“It was a delight to be able to present these football boots and equipment to these ever so grateful young men. They appreciate the gesture and although we sent one young team away happy, it was clear that there are thousands more budding young players in Africa who could use a pair of cleaned up football boots as their country builds up to World Cup 2010.”
“The boots won’t change their lives, however, from the smiles on their faces it was clear that the donations had at least made their day.”
Following on from this visit LFE are pleased that Mansfield Town’s Youth team has also now engaged with the Boots for Africa appeal.
Youth Team Manager Dave Jervis said:
“We fully support this initiative and all the lads are behind this very worthy cause. We urge anyone who has old boots lying around which aren’t needed to bring them in and our lads will clean and pack them off to Africa.”
“LFE’s Regional Officer John Barton brought the scheme to our attention on delivery of the ASE Activity Pack, and we hope to send at least 100 pairs of football boots to Africa.”
