There are old football boots sitting in cupboards in every sporting household in the country but today a charity is celebrating almost 1000 of them being donated to help children across Africa to play.

Boots for Africa is an organisation dedicated to collecting and distributing pre-loved sports shoes/gear to African countries equipping and empowering young athletes in under-resourced communities.

Since it was founded 13 years ago, Boots for Africa has assisted over 38,000 children in 9 African countries to reach their full potential and overcome adversity through sport.

Throughout 2021 schools and clubs from across Ireland have donated over 900 pairs of boots, 1600 balls and other pieces of sporting equipment to the charity which have been distributed throughout Africa to children who have never had their own pair of shoes or a ball, let alone a pair of boots.

Boots for Africa ambassador and women’s Springbok player Zintle Mpupha, who was involved with the distribution of Irish donations in South Africa, was joined by fellow ambassador Lizo Gqoboka.

Mpupha, who was visiting Dublin ahead of her move to Exeter Chiefs, was asked about the charity and how the kid’s reacted to receiving boots for the first time.

“It’s a really great organisation that supports kids from very poor backgrounds who can’t afford boots or equipment. We want to give kids the opportunity to perform on the big stage but without boots it’s not possible to nurture young talent and allow them to compete with kids with more resources.”

“It’s a wonderful initiative,” added Bulls forward Lizo Gqoboka speaking at Clontarf Rugby Club who are supporters of the organisation.

“I know exactly how it’s feels to have boots for the first time, it’s really amazing. It’s really fulfilling to see someone receive a pair of boots for the first time and to know that you’re making a difference in someone’s life.”

“Playing sports got us out of the streets out of trouble. Someone might think it’s a small thing to do but it can have such an impact. It can be life changing. It changed my life.”

“We’ve seen huge generosity from Irish sports club and schools who have donated a huge amount of boots and equipment to children right across Africa,” said Peter Kelly from the charity.

“Through sport we learn vital life lessons such as team work, leadership and communication and something as small as a pair of boots can have a lasting impact to someone in need of them.”

Clubs or schools willing to do a collection of pre-loved boots, balls, trainers can contact Peter Kelly at ireland@bootsforafrica.org

 

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