Football boots wanted for Africa

If you don't want them, Jim Colston does - as long as they around size

6 or over.

The head of Southern Association Football Academy, which coaches youngsters in Bexhill, Hastings, and Eastbourne, Jim is heading out to Southern Africa with the aim of helping football hopefuls out there.

Last year Jim visited a large number of schools in Swaziland area of South Africa and delivered a football coaching curriculum specially written for the trip.

He visited schools in the towns of Mbabane and and a number of small villages all around the country.

The project is fully supported by the Swaziland government and FAS (Football Association of Swaziland) and also King Mswati III.

Because of the success of last year's trip talks have been ongoing about SAFA setting up a Swaziland National Youth Academy which will be run by SAFA and Swazi staff together, the aim being to provide the country with a structured curriculum tailored to the needs of young African players in small villages and towns which Jim says are "are overflowing with talent."

Jim said: "This year's trip will involve several schools playing in a tournament after their SAFA coaching sessions and it has been agreed that this should be held in the Swazi national Stadium - their version of our Wembley.

"SAFA would like to take a large number of football boots out to Africa to give to as many young players as possible to help them with their development as well as any unwanted football kits (u14 upwards).

" We are starting a small campaign to try and raise these items and we already have fantastic support from Lewes Bridgeview FC and Pevensey and Westham JFC who have both donated kits and boots. Thank you to Bob and Debbie from Bridgeview and Emma, Andrea and Sharon from Pevensey, your help and support is greatly appreciated.

"If you know anyone who can help us to make a difference to our visit by donating a pair of football boots, or a football kit, then please ask them to email Jim Colston via the web site -