Kelty Hearts FC were delighted to welcome Marvin Andrews to New Central Park this week as he collected a selection of old club kits which will be given a new lease of life in Uganda.
Marvin has been working with Scottish football clubs to help redistribute unwanted and surplus football kit to communities and players who are in need overseas. His work has already seen Scottish clubs contribute kits to projects in countries including Trinidad and Tobago and Nigeria, with Uganda now the latest destination.
The latest initiative is being supported by Chris Jewell, a trustee with Inverclyde Christian Initiative, who works closely with and supports the Ugandan community. Marvin has been working alongside Chris to help coordinate the collection and distribution of football kits, ensuring they reach those who will benefit from them once they arrive in Uganda.
The visit to New Central Park also brought together two familiar faces. Marvin previously spent time with current Kelty Hearts Kitman, Calum Wood, during their time at Clyde, and the pair were able to reconnect and work together to make the kit donation happen.
Marvin left New Central Park with several boxes of old stock kits, which will now make their way to Uganda and hopefully provide plenty of enjoyment for those who receive them.
Speaking about the initiative, Marvin said:
“It’s great to be able to give these kits a new life and get them to people who can really benefit from them. Football is a global game, and something as simple as a football shirt can mean a lot to someone.”
He added:
“I’ve been fortunate to work with a number of Scottish clubs to make this happen, and I’m really grateful to Kelty Hearts for getting involved and helping us send more kit to Uganda.”
For Kelty Hearts, the donation is another small example of how football can extend far beyond the pitch and make a positive difference in communities around the world.
We’d like to thank Marvin, Chris and everyone involved in making the latest donation possible, and wish them all the best with the shipment to Uganda.
Photography: Kevin Marshall (@kayemphoto)