English Schools' Football Association

A football shirt charitable appeal based in Shropshire and founded by Wing Commander Neil Hope MBE has completed a record breaking year, having delivered 23,456 items to 16 countries worldwide, making 2014 it’s most successful year since it began.

Running since 2006, the appeal was set up to collect unwanted football shirts and then send them to the less privileged in Africa. The appeal became a huge success and after just 8 years has delivered over 100,000 items to 48 countries worldwide.

Items delivered to the counties are not limited to football kit; donations have included other sporting equipment and school uniforms which are delivered not only through the Royal Air Force, but other branches of the Armed Forces, international charities, gap year students and even personnel travelling on holiday.

Donations this year have come from a multitude of clubs, individuals and schools including Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester United, Shrewsbury Town, England, The FA, Leicester City and QPR as well as a long list of grassroots clubs from across the UK. Many sports clubs and County Football Associations have also been instrumental in assisting the plight of thousands of underprivileged youngsters and adults across the globe.

Wing Commander Neil Hope on a trip to Kenya last Summer

Wing Commander Neil Hope says; ‘I am still amazed at how this appeal caught the imagination of the football world and the general public. I was surprised that the appeal took off so well and I am proud of the huge totals delivered during 2014, a record year. The feelings you get when you see the face of a youngster when you give them a football or a football shirt cannot be easily explained but it is certainly a highly emotional moment. I am looking forward to visiting Kenya on Boxing Day with my family as well as Flight Lieutenant Tony Kinchley, from the central Air Traffic Control School at RAF Shawbury, to complete another 14 deliveries in Nairobi, Thika and Gilgil. My thanks to all who have donated and especially those who assist the appeal both here and abroad and especially to the RAF for allowing all this to happen.’

The ESFA are very keen to support this cause ourselves and also ask that others help us to support the RAF with this humbling appeal.

For further information, you can contact Wing Commander Neil Hope on
neil.hope684@mod.uk

Squadron Leader K Leach
kim.leach347@mod.uk
01939 250351 ext. 7572

Corporate Engagement and Communications Officer
RAF Shawbury,
Shrewsbury
SY4 4DZ