George Watson's and Hibs bring football kits to youth teams in Malawi

George Watson's College has teamed up with Hibernian FC to provide hundreds of young football players in Malawi with new kit - in bright Hibs green.

A group of 41 children from the school travelled to Zomba in southern Malawi in October as part of the George Watson’s Malawi Partnership.

The project has been running since 2012 and recently picked up an award from the Scotland Malawi Partnership.

Teams mid play at the Scores FC home ground.

For the first time this year pupils brought dozens of football kits, jackets, boots and polo shirts donated by Hibs.

The new kits were given to teams at Happy Hammers FC in Zomba, Scores Football Club in the capital Lilongwe, and Chamunya Primary School in the Kasungu districts.

The U18 and Senior teams at Happy Hammers are involved in a campaign led by not-for-profit Zomba Forest Lodge, which aims to reforest the 40-hectare Zomba plateau.

One of the biggest causes of deforestation is man-made forest fires, started by locals.

The campaign encourages local people to preserve the forests for firewood, water and food sources - supporting sports teams in return for a commitment to firefighting.

The number of fires has reduced from 37 five years ago to just one this year so far.

A spokesperson for Zomba Forest Lodge said: “We and our sponsored teams are incredibly grateful to George Watson’s College and Hibernian FC for the donation of sports kit.

“Sport has been a great way to motivate the communities, especially the youth, and to spread the message of protecting the environment and ecosystem on which they so desperately depend.”

The U12, U15 and U21 teams at Scores Football Club were also given kit, as well as new goalposts, nets and footballs donated by Watson’s.

The club aims to get young men off the streets and encourages U21 players to act as role models for younger members.

In the Kasungu district the U10s and U12s at Chamunya Primary School were also given new Hibs kits.

During the two-week trip Watson’s pupils visited a number of schools and community organisations.

These included the Open Arms Orphanages and Outreach programmes, which care for babies and toddlers and work with families to return children to their communities when they are older.

They also visited the Steka Project, which cares for young people who have been abandoned by their carers.

George Watson’s College principal Melvyn Roffe said: “Maroon may well be our colour at Watson’s, but we were absolutely delighted that Hibernian were able to support us for our pupils’ trip to Malawi this year.

“The power of our young people, along with the excitement of professional football is a cogent combination. It has made for a real win for young people in Zomba, Lilongwe and Kasungu.”

Hibernian FC chief executive Leeann Dempster said: “We were happy to support the team from George Watson’s College on their trip to Malawi, with what was clearly a great cause.

“It’s another example of how we can use the power of football to make a difference – not only in our local community but across the world – to the lives of those who need a helping hand.”