Arsenal fan on ball in Uganda

Ian Thomson, Chairman of the Seven Towers Arsenal Supporters' Club, pictured during his recent trip to Uganda with a team from Coaching 4 Christ.

Last month, Ian had the privilege of joining a 12 person team from Coaching 4 Christ on a trip to Uganda where they stayed at Kiwoko Hospital in the country’s Luweero district.

They were there for 10 days, five of which were spent coaching football to 11-16 year-olds.

Monday to Thursday the kids enjoyed warm ups, drills and then matches to showcase their skills and during half time a short Gospel message was delivered.

Ian recalled: “Thursday was then a World Cup knock-out tournament which brought so much excitement to the kids and the local community. The determination and will to win was incredible and all with bare feet and no shin guards.”

STASC had kindly donated money towards the trip and this was given to a young student nurse called Jackline Namuganga.

Jackline comes from a really poor family and they could no longer afford to support her training financially. With the help of STASC’s donation Jackline can now complete her training as a nurse.

“This has made a huge difference in this young girl’s future. In our country we have so much and it’s amazing that in our eyes ‘so little’ can be life changing to others,” said Ian.

STASC meet on the first Wednesday of every month in the Michelin Athletic Club in Ballymena at 7pm and welcomes new members. To find out more contact Ian at [email protected]