Football Action

Football Action is a new organisation currently in the process of registering as a charity. They have the simple aim of using football to encourage students to attend school and re-engage with learning, and this year they worked with Hanna's Orphanage and LEAP (see previous newsletter for details!!).

Despite completely exhausting me, the trip was amazing, and it's always lovely for me to be able to introduce everyone to the beauty of Ethiopia and all the people who made my stay such an amazing experience.

We worked really hard to make sure the trip was sustainable and that it wasn't just a case of turning up, playing football a bit and then going home. The teachers in our team delivered teacher training and skill sharing sessions, while the teachers were involved in the football coaching sessions so that they can continue with the games and activities during the year (one of the teachers is really keen on setting up an inter-school football tournament too, and this will definitely help with that!). The team also raised the money to build a proper football pitch on the school compound and replace the wooden goals that were being eaten by termites.

Both the school and the orphanage got lots of footballs, which is what they kept asking me for! :-)

Have a look at the fantastic video of the trip to give you an idea of what a great time everyone had (including the students at the orphanage and at the school!!!)