‘No queremos goles, queremos frijoles’ (we do not want goals, we want beans) – Anonymous, Graffitti on Concrete, 1986 World Cup, Mexico
A powerful statement echoing the economic problem of sport in developing countries. An issue that is only just beginning to be examined in a critical way. Many talented athletes from underdeveloped countries feel no choice but to move to European and North American labour markets to pursue sports careers. This means there are less representatives of third world countries to inspire newer generations to get involved in sports. What is even more troubling, is the lack of P.E in these schools, with most schools unable to fulfil the hours they have committed for physical education. That is why KitAid are sharing their passion for football across the world [1].
#Goals with KitAid
KitAid is a charity set up by, Derrick Williams MBE, who visited Tanzania on a WaterAid supporters’ trip in 1998. Derrick, being a mad footie fan, was amazed at the reception he received from children and adults in remote villages just because he was wearing his favourite football shirt (Watford, Chesham Utd, Liverpool FC to name a few).
After two weeks in Tanzania, a flame was lit in Derrick’s heart, and he was on a mission to provide kit and equipment to the bare-footed children playing with footballs made of tied string and plastic bags. Twenty-one years on, KitAid has lots of volunteers and to date we’ve sent out 700,000+ kits to children and adults in 55 different countries across the world.
Footballs Coming to the Office
We fancy ourselves quite the sporty types here at EverythingBranded, and wanted to extend our love for sports to those less fortunate. Cameron Reid-Jones, our UK Sales Account Manager and Leicester City supporter organised a kit drive, asking staff to come in wearing their favourite Football tees and donating any old or new football shirts towards the collection. The morale in the office was lifted, especially in anticipation for the UEFA Euro 2020 England vs. Scotland match. Spirits were high and so were the number of donations, with staff members being real team players. We totalled over a £100 worth of donations in just one day. Whilst modest, this could really help towards the betterment of children’s sporting lives in struggling countries.
[1] Andreff, Wladimir. (2006). Sport in developing countries. Handbook on the Economics of Sport. 308-315. 10.4337/9781847204073.00039.
