A WINTON schoolboy is set to jet out to Romania to help distribute football boots and kit to underprivileged youngsters.

Ten-year-old Josh Harfield, who will be accompanied by his dad, Jeremy on the sporting mercy mission, is set to travel to northwest Romania during February half-term.

The St Luke's Church of England Primary school pupil, who plays football in the Littledown Junior League, said: "I feel sad for the players out there, as some only have old trainers and no boots so they kept sliding over.

"I'm very excited to see their faces when I hand out the boots this February half term, and I'm excited to play football with them."

Josh's dad has been collecting second hand boots and kit for the Romanian Centrul de Fotbal Academic for three years.

This organisation, established in 2008, works to provide the neediest children in Oradea - and neighbouring villages - the chance to play football, offering them equipment and kit they would otherwise not be able to afford.

An academy spokesman explained: "One of our goals is to offer talented children a fair chance to play professional football and someday to reach their goals and become professional football players."

Josh, who is also a Junior Cherry, started collecting secondhand boots before Christmas, spending his pocket money and buying online and from charity shops.

He has also had donations from Bournemouth's independent Park School.

Jeremy said: "I've been collecting second hand boots and clothing for over three years, and now Josh wants to contribute and meet them for the first time this February in the half-term.

"We've also been supported by his (Josh's) teammates and players from the Littledown Juniors football teams, organised by Harry Smyth, and now Bournemouth FC organised by Rob Mitchell who is the the marketing director.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to them for their support."

Indeed, Josh's trip may even feature in one of AFCB official match programmes later this season.

Jeremy added: "Grass root academies in Romania attract no help from the government at all, so rely solely on donations to get by and we know that boots and other kit wears out very quickly.

"We are still looking to fill one more 32kg suitcase to take with us so please donate if you can - second hand boots are like Christmas presents to these underprivileged kids, some from the state orphanage in Oradea, a city in northwest Romania."

Boots and kit should be for girls and boys, aged 10-16.

Call or text Jeremy on 07728 837 859 if you can help.