AN ORPHANAGE in Uganda has been helped to inspire a group of youngsters thanks to a supply of football equipment from AFC Bournemouth fans – as well as the club’s captain.
Cherries supporter Steve Butler launched the fundraising effort for the children in Bugembe after spotting their passion for the Dorset club on social media.
Following several weeks of donations pouring in more than £3,000 has been raised for football kit and training equipment.
An initial shipment of kit and equipment has been sent and arrived at the orphanage, with a second batch of supplies on the way.
Mr Butler, 67, said the project started with a tweet from Kizza Joshua, who is the coach at the Ibun Primary School in Bugembe.
“From little acorns of him going on Twitter and me picking it up and saying let’s go with it, let’s get some kit for these kids, it has snowballed,” said Mr Butler.
“It has been so nice and I am glad we are doing it.
“When you see them with the kit and the equipment, with smiles on their faces, that is what it is all about.
“There is still more we can do and seeing the difference it has makes it all worthwhile.”
The initiative was picked up by the Cherries captain Steve Cook, who has since organised, at his own expense, kit to be sent out.
Mr Butler, who is a retired property surveyor said his ultimate aim would be to see one of the youngsters make it to the top level of Ugandan football or even one day play for Cherries, the side he has supported for 50 years.
“There are a lot of schools like this in Uganda and we have been able to help this one,” added Mr Butler. “Hopefully, we can keep it going.
“I have had help from other fans with sourcing the kit and the shipping. It has given me great pleasure to do it.”
To find out more about the fundraising and to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/bournemouth-academy-uganda.
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