Paul Heffer in Malawi

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West Ham united supports kids in Africa West Ham United Assistant Youth Academy Director, Paul Heffer received a call for help from West Ham supporter Dr Alan Whitcomb. The help was for the youngsters of the Blantyre area of the Central Africa country of Malawi. Dr Whitcomb described youth football in Malawi in the following way: ‘The kids play in bare feet and have no kit other than a ball, which is often a home made affair created from rolled up plastic bags.’ I once asked, “How can you tell one team from another?” The answer was, “One team plays wearing a t-shirt and the other team goes bare-chested.” I felt sure that West Ham would be able to give some help. I approached my long standing friend and former ‘Hammer’ player, Paul Heffer, and I was astounded at the extent of the help and advice that he offered’. Encouraged by Paul Heffer, West Ham Academy quickly rallied round. At the end of last season’s sponsorship the youth kit was gathered and sorted and packed and sent to Malawi through a trust known to Dr Whitcomb called the “Fishermen’s Rest, A Bridge to Africa”. Dr Whitcomb said, ‘They work tirelessly to try and help these children in their Tilitonse Community Centre and in schools and groups in the area surrounding their base at Fishermen’s Rest.’ In fact enough kit was sent by West Ham United to be used by about 100 kids, with some shared use. Some Essex schools also donated equipment which went on the same lorry. Dr Whitcomb said, ‘You cannot imagine the excitement this has caused in this area of Balntyre in Malawi. These youngsters cannot believe the generosity of West Ham United, and the Hammers badge is worn with pride and is now well known in the area of Blantyre.’ Paul Heffer added, ‘In June of this year I accompanied Dr Whitcomb to Malawi where we were able to see first hand the good use that is being made of this equipment. While out there I was able to provide many coaching sessions. The conditions under which these youngsters play football is hard to believe. Most of the youngsters play in bare feet on rocky ground without a blade of grass in sight.’ The photo shown here shows just one of the Blantyre youth teams proudly displaying their West Ham outfits.