News

Albion donate surplus kit to teams in Kenya

Club supporting the RAF FA's Taking Football to Africa and Beyond charity

15 June 2021

Chapel Field FC in their away kit donated by Albion.

Children and adults in Kenya are wearing Albion kit thanks to the club’s link with the Royal Air Force Football Association’s Taking Football to Africa and Beyond charitable appeal.

The programme delivers items of football kit to impoverished areas of the world and have recently delivered large amounts of kit donated by the club in Kenya. The appeal, organised by Wing Commander Neil Hope MBE, collects donated football kit from clubs and individuals across the UK and redistributes them to those less fortunate.

Since 2006 the appeal has delivered over 271,000 items, including over 80,000 football shirts to people in 58 countries. Kenya is the biggest recipient for the kit with most being distributed in the towns of Kibera, Kibagare and Mathare but kits have gone to most continents including many African countries as well as Peru, Brazil, USA, El Salvador, Pakistan, India and Nepal.

A further four boxes of Albion kit are on their way to Kenya

A recent shipment was distributed to Chapel Field FC, who have various age group teams with their senior team playing in the Nairobi Kiambu Odibet League. The donation was received by Stephen Ndambuki, who said, “Thank you for the fantastic donation from Brighton and for the support to the children’s home and football club in general.”

A box full of Brighton kit has also recently been collected by Pastor Charles Alochi for his church team in Funyula in Kenya.

Charles said, “I take this opportunity on behalf of our team to thank you for helping to change the lives of many young people in Africa through sports. Special thanks for the generous support of Brighton & Hove Albion FC. The consignment will be destined for Busia County, Funyula Constituency and Sifucha Village.”

The RAF FA have been sending kit to Kenya and other countries since 2006.

An additional four boxes of kit are on their way to Kenya containing items donated by the club.

Neil said, “We are very grateful to Brighton & Hove Albion for donating the kit which is being well received in Africa. The appeal continues to be a huge success and when you see the massive positive effect it has you realise the impact football can have.”

Further details on the appeal can be found at www.royalairforcefa.com/