RAF shirt appeal scores again

Monday 14th December 2009, 8:18AM GMT.

SD3350274@NO30SHIRT 2 A Shropshire airbase’s work to provide football shirts to impoverished children now stretches to two dozen countries, organisers said today.

The RAF Shawbury-based Taking Football to Africa and Beyond appeal has just delivered shirts and other items to its landmark 24th country.

Seven boxes including 213 football shirts and 383 other items including jeans, shirts and other clothing were sent to schools and orphanages in Romania.

The delivery was made to the European House Orphanage, Beethoven School for the Deaf and Macdonski and Filase orphanages in Romania through the Ellesmere Port and Neston Romanian Appeal and Children Internationale.

The items had been donated to the appeal through many sources, including the English FA, Sportsjam in Shrewsbury, Scotstoun Primary School in Glasgow, Bressingham Thistle FC and RAF Lyneham.

Staff at RAF Shawbury say they are delighted their appeal continues to grow.

The appeal was started by Squadron Leader Neil Hope, the community relations officer at RAF Shawbury, in early 2006. It has sent nearly 20,000 items, including nearly 9,000 football shirts.

The appeal is backed by the RAF through the RAF FA and through the FA through Mr Hope’s work as the FA councillor for the RAF FA.

Mr Hope said: “The appeal continues to grow in size and strength and this is demonstrated by the links and deliveries which have taken place.”

View more: RAF Shawbury news.