Football mad Zambian children have swapped balls made of rags for new strips and equipment thanks to Scottish Hydro.
The company’s Kit for Kids scheme enabled Carnoustie Panmure Youth Academy to donate their old football kits and balls to school children in the East African country.
The Carnoustie team was motivated to help after hearing how the children play everyday despite only having balls made out of old clothes.
Phil Hope, Panmure Youth Football Club Secretary, said: “Some of the kids there play with balls made from wrapped up rags so we were really happy to help out with the strips and equipment.
“The elephants in their area keep scratching on the goal posts and knocking them down which is a bit different from the problems we have with rabbits digging holes all over the park.”
The Makumbi District School now has a fully equiped team and has forged international friendships with the Panmure under 13s.
Scottish Hydro’s Kit for Kids scheme awards funding to employees that nominate junior sports teams for new equipment. It’s part of the company’s pledge to support the local communities where its employees live and work.
Last year Scottish Hydro donated £37,500 to 75 groups across the country, with each receiving £500 worth of new equipment.