Some of the old Marchwood Ranger football kit had a new lease of life recently. Mark Biffin (father of Joel Biffin who plays for the under 8’s) took 32 BT Apprentices to Kenya on a ‘Challenge Africa’ event. One of the challenges was for the apprentices to interact with the local community in Kiteghi (a small village within Tsavo East National Park).
The living conditions in this area are extremely basic, with no running water or electricity. The apprentices were there to rebuild an 8 classroom Primary school which had been damaged in recent floods. The money for the project had all been raised through sponsorship by the apprentices who collectively raised over £27,000.
Mark and the team also took over materials such as paper, pens, reference books etc, for the school as well as sports equipment and kit.
The kit was really appreciated by the locals who practise their football skills each day. By contrast they do so, on a dirt pitch in bare feet, playing with a football made of bags bound together with string and elastic bands!
At the end of the week long visit, the apprentices challenged the local team to a match. They played 20 minutes a side and had to make endless substitutions, as they were playing in 40°C. The locals started well and were soon 2-0 up, but the ‘BT All-stars’ pulled it back to a gracious 2-2 draw at the final whistle.
Mark sends his thanks to Marchwood Rangers FC for the kind contribution which has given great pride to the Kiteghi football team. |
