Halifax Centre of Excellence is very proud to be ‘linked’ to Kingstone Football Team in Uganda. Just two weeks ago with approximately 24 hours notice, Des was asked if he had an old football shirt, which he would be willing to donate to Kingstone School.
Des managed to hold a meeting with the two representatives visiting the U.K, on Thursday afternoon before they left for the airport on Friday evening. I (Catherine Willoughby) attended this meeting with Des; we were both very touched and sad to hear some of the stories of many, of the children being cared for at Kingston. Despite our shock and sadness we were also very inspired by how much these individuals have achieved to improve the lives of Ugandan children.
One point in particular which sticks in my mind is the children’s passion for football. I was stunned to hear that the school of 400 children only has ONE football, which is a very precious resource. Des was able to collate two old kits, bibs and approximately fifteen balls, which were in storage. As we were packing everything Des realised that they would need a pump and pins to inflate the balls on arrival in Uganda; so he included several packets and a few pumps, he also threw in some whistles!
We dashed to drop off the items, it was very emotional (for me) Des kept himself very well composed as ever. The representatives were very grateful and overwhelmed by the amount of kit that we had managed to get together. For us, it seemed like we had not done enough and if we had only had more time, we could have done more.
We have now agreed to form a formal link with Kingstone School and provide ongoing support through fundraising activities and donations. We hope to visit Uganda in the summer, to offer some coaching schools with a view to some players joining us for a season. We will also be taking more vital resources, not just Football items! We fully appreciate that some families in the U.K have, in the current climate, fallen on hard times, but generally we have our basic needs met such as food, water, shelter and clothing. Some children in Uganda are not always so fortunate and many become orphans at a young age, life for these children is very difficult without a parent to care for them.
We have had a lovely email which included the one photograph below. The email connection in Uganda is a dial-up, so as you can imagine the picture took a while to upload. We are told the children are delighted with their new kit and footballs and have even made up a “Des Hazel” chant!
If you would like to know more about this project or can offer any support (kit junior and senior, boots or other items) please email me.
Catherine
Old kit donated to Kingstone Team Uganda.....
