New football venture set to give street players early Christmas present

THREE years after a highly successful venture which saw local football clubs help street teams in Kenya get key equipment, Cowdenbeath Rotary Club is to revive the initiative which saw young footballers in Mombasa greatly benefit.

The club's Thursday night meeting heard that a considerable number of football strips had recently been donated to the rotarians for use by street footballers in Kenya.

Club president, John Gilfillan told members: “The previous initiative developed from a magnificent gesture by local clubs who donated several hundred strips which we were able to get transported to Mombasa.

“Things also eventually saw us able to get a visit organised to the city, involving coaches led by former Cowdenbeath manager, Danny Lennon, who spent several days helping the young street footballers with improving their skills.

“Just recently we have received more football kit from local clubs which will provide a boost for the incredible number of young people who enjoy the street football environment and we have been fortunate to be able to organise a shipment of these items in early December.

“So it will all provide an early Christmas present for the youngsters of Mombasa who just love playing football.”

John stressed that the generosity of local Fife football clubs, at senior and local levels, had made a tremendous impact on allowing the rotary club to help the youth footballers of Mombasa, and he hoped this latest venture would be equally as successful.

Caption:      A picture taken when the coaching visit took place a few years ago led by Danny Lennon.