The Appeal, organised by Wing Commander Neil Hope MBE, began in late May 2006 in the run up to the World Cup and collects donated football kit from organisations, clubs and individuals across the UK and re-distributes them across the globe to those less fortunate.
About Taking Football To Africa
The Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal is a Charitable Appeal which was established in 2006 by Wg Cdr Neil Hope MBE. The appeal aims to deliver ‘aid through football’ by collecting donations of new and used football kit from organisations, clubs and individuals across the UK and then re-distributing them across the globe to those who need them most.
For years Charlotte was involved in Taking Football to Africa, and it was through the appeal that she discovered her love of Kenya. Whilst on delivery trips to Kenya she visited schools, rescue centres and orphanages, delivering life changing resources to hundreds, and she found a real affinity with the country and the people, especially the children.
The Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal continues to operate alongside The Charlotte Hope Foundation and whilst not officially linked they will always be strongly related because of their foundations.
The appeal continues to operate with no finances and relies purely on goodwill and donations of kit and equipment to fulfil its aims. To date the appeal has delivered over 110,000 football shirts and over 390,000 items in total to 65 countries worldwide. For further information on the Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal please visit their Facebook page or contact Mark Smales through this website.
