Welwyn Pegasus FC is supporting Boots2Africa campaign to donate much needed sporting equipment, including football boots and kits to children across Africa who have no shoes for school, life and playing games.
10,000 people die each year of snake bites in Africa and thousands more get seriously ill through foot infections, with no access to boots to go about daily activities. The aim of Boots2Africa is to receive and deliver 1 million donated boots by 2030.
Heading up the campaign on behalf of Welwyn Pegasus FC is committee member, Jamie Allam, Commercial Director of St Albans based security specialist Amthal Fire & Security.
Welwyn Pegasus FC is hosting the first boot donation event at the football club’s pre-season tournament on weekend of 1-2 September 2018.
Says Jamie: “Whilst our children are often lucky enough to play football with all the necessary kit, even discarding equipment at the end of every season, millions of children across Africa, have no access to shoes for school, life and playing games.
“We can help. Boots2Africa is a campaign that I was pleased to support in my coaching role with Welwyn Pegasus FC. If we can create an easy environment for those willing to donate unwanted equipment, kits and boots to work towards the Boots2Africa goal, then we can ensure we are doing our best to make a difference and level the playing field.”
Boots2Africa, established by Iain Finch, was set up to collect, transport and distribute donated boots to Africa’s children and young adults through relief organisations. It is funded solely by voluntary donations.
Iain adds: “I have seen first-hand how disease, infections and snakebites kill thousands and injure and incapacitate many others every year. Many others struggle because of illness caused from infections of the foot.
“I am so grateful for Jamie’s support, and I hope the pre-season donation event, as the first of its kind, sets up a precedent for others to get involved and support the cause. Together we can minimise this needless struggle affecting so many children and adults across Africa.”
To get involved or find out how to donate any unwanted kit, boots or equipment, please visit www.boots2africa.co.uk.
Please follow Amthal’s Facebook page to attend or receive updates for updates on Welwyn Pegasus FC’s pre-season tournament