An Oswestry-based charity which provides football kits and educational tools to children across the poorest parts of Kenya has been presented with football kits thanks to staff from a Shrewsbury business.
Kenyan Schools Project received the support from leading sportswear retailer Sportsjam this week as the firm supplied two full football kits. It’s not the first time they have supported cause – they also sponsored a desk for the charity back in 2010.
Sportsjam managing director Matt Burton, who also manages football team Haughmond FC, comments: “Playing team sports is so important to young people’s personal development, especially in teaching valuable teamwork skills. I’m delighted to be able to donate these kits. I hope the new shirts and equipment will bring the young people wearing them renewed enthusiasm for the sport.”
Sportsjam has over 15 years’ experience as a leading retailer of football teamwear, leisurewear, sports equipment and coaching provision. Well-known and respected amongst schools, colleges and football teams around the country.
Kenyan Schools Project is run by husband and wife team Bill and Lynn Morris, who travel to Kenya twice a year to help young children and babies in schools and orphanages. Since 2004, they have raised over £80,000 to fund everything from desks and school equipment to football kits and new classrooms.
Talking about the importance of the kits, Mr Morris says: “They will make a huge difference – the children these kits go to have very few possessions, so for a team to be able to wear a matching football kit is a massive boost for them. They wear the kits with such pride it’s an amazing feeling to be able to give them such a simple gift that generates so much enthusiasm.”
The duo began the Kenyan Schools Project in 2004 after a dream holiday in the country and a trip to the Mkwakwani School. Mr Morris, who works as a porter at Oswestry School, said: “The children were sitting on concrete floors, barefoot and having to share pencils, paper and books. The trip really got to both of us and we could not stop thinking about the children.”
From that day forward, the couple have worked tirelessly from their home in Oswestry to the benefit of children living thousands of miles away. They recently opened a shop on Bailey Street in the town to help provide extra income for the charity.
Mr Burton adds: “What Bill and Lynn have achieved with Kenyan Schools Project is incredible. The charity does wonderful work supporting various projects in Kenya. We all have a social responsibility to give something back and I’m delighted that I can help this worthy cause.”
Anyone who wants to help the Kenyan Schools Project can visit kenyanschoolsproject.co.uk, call 01691 659930 or email info@kenyanschoolsproject.co.uk
