Poolie off to coach charity team in Zambia on Sunday. Looking for unwanted kit, boots, shin pads, GK gloves.

Apologies for the huge post, but a couple of minutes of your time and a share could go along way to improving some quality of life.

On Sunday I'm traveling to Zambia for summer leave a in a voluntary role. I'll be working with a lot of disadvantaged young people, many of whom are orphans, a consequence of HIV. This results in a loss of guidance and protection from the dangers of a life on the streets with drugs and alcohol the major factors.

Fortunately there are 2 Non profit Organisations striving to improving the live's of the many affected. One a locally founded and run charity called 'New Hope Waves', a brilliant incentive creating lots of projects and working closely with another charity FFA Global, a Swedish based organisation. They have established a local team which now participates in the Zambian 5th tier following promotion last season. Although successful, they lack a lot of basic equipment, boots, shin pads and training equipment hamper them from achieving their true potential. All things we take for grantedI

I recently posted about 3 weeks ago appealing for any unwanted football equipment, while the response was positive, Id like to reach out to more people and make more smiles in Zambia. You'll be helping a great cause, as for a lot of children football is their only hope - why not allow them to help enjoy it more?

How can you help?

I'll be at our first game of the season, and will be available to take any unwanted items you have off your hands. I'll be collecting before and after the game from Morrison's car park 2.15-2.50pm, and from Outside the Corner Flag from FT for 15 minutes.

Preferable items: Boots, shinpads, Goalie Gloves, old shirts or kit. If anyone has a team kit they don't want Id be forever greatful.

In return I'll show how your generosity is making a positive difference along with progress with the local team I'll be coaching. We have a couple of matches arranged, one vs a CONIFA Nation. I'll provide updates on the build up and on the match itself.

Thanks for your time.
BLUE ARRRMY!

Phil McLaughlin on FB

Maybe worth a post to the 1600 odd on the Trust facebook page aswell?

Done.

I know it's something you've set years ago but it's not the best signature to end your post with!

mark.simpson@hartlepoolunited.co.uk try this Phil.

Mr Butt, gave Pauline Mc some shirts for you after the game, hope she managed to get them to you. Couldn't find my old corrugated cardboard shin pads though