Orphans inspire FA coach squad

BOLTON WANDERERS' community cohesion officer Abdul Basit says his coaching sessions involving over 400 orphans in Malawi was a "life changing" experience.

Abdul was joined by members of the Lancashire FA and ex-England international, Viv Anderson on the two-week trip to teach skills to children from 10 orphanages.

The group also distributed clothes and shoes to people in the most deprived areas.

The group also distributed clothes and shoes to people in the most deprived areas.

Said Abdul: "They were the best set of kids I have ever worked with.

"They were so obedient and really took in what we were teaching them.

"I've never seen children enjoy playing football as much as these orphans did."

Mornings were spent training 16-25-year olds who in turn helped coach other youngsters in the afternoons.

The trip was a result of a link-up between the FA and the Preston-based Friends of Mulanje Orphans (FOMO) aimed at helping youngsters who have lost their parents through disease, particularly AIDS.

During the visit the FA group attended a concert of traditional dancing and a choral performance by the orphans. They also met the Malawi international team.

Added Abdul: "Majority of the children do not have any shoes to wear, they do not even have a proper football to kick about with though we presented a football to each orphanage.

"Instead they play bare foot and to substitute a football they blow up a condom, wrap it around with newspaper and plastic bags until it becomes tough.

"They are very passionate about the game and I hope we were able to leave a positive impact."

The visit was filmed by ITV and their documentary about FOMO's work in Malawi will be broadcast on 10 July at 7.30pm.