Liam and Kieran made a trip to Uganda in 2011
The Under 15’s lining up for their match in the Red and Blue kit
On Monday 25th July 2011 Kieran (18) and Liam (17) O'Connor (sons of CRFC Vice Chairman Ben O'Connor) went to Heathrow Airport to board a flight to Entebbe to spend the best part of two weeks at a school in Mpigi, about 50 miles from Kampala.
Sadly, BA had overbooked the flight and they were both kicked off the flight and were told to return on Wednesday afternoon. It all looked pretty desperate as the extra baggage, of football kits and training gear had been specially organised to go free on the flight. Fortunately, everything was corrected and they got away on the Wednesday.
The time at St John Leonard Primary School was enjoyable as they coached the children in various football skills and they helped the coaches prepare for a special tournament for the following week.
A visit was also arranged for Kieran and Liam to visit the Aids Centre where they saw a lot of children or various ages, upto 14, who were suffering with the condition.
The day of the tournament arrived and the boys were presented to the four teams, 2 at Under 11 and 2 at Under 14. The games were competitive and they two school teams looked very smart in the Claygate Royals kits that we had sent out to them.
The Under 11’s lining up for their match in the Yellow and Blue kit
Tom, the Headmaster of St John Leonard Primary School in Mpigi has written a lovely letter and has asked for his thanks to be conveyed to everyone at Claygate Royals FC.
He writes, “It feels so good for me, Kieran and Liam to have started football for the young people within the Community of Mpigi. Kieran and Liam have had a busy working schedule with the children of ages 10 to 14, they have been imparting football skills to children with help of local coaches and as a result, “Big Talent Football Academy” was launched on 3rd August 2011.
The children of St John Leonard Primary School feel so much honoured and so happy for the gifts you gave us that are aimed at developing the football right from their childhood. The jerseys, balls, cones and pump are all so helpful. Sports make our bodies healthy and we will retire from it when our brains are refreshed. We are now encouraged to work hard in sports and we shall be able to participate in different tournaments. The support that you have given us will take us miles away from where we have been.
Thank you for having passion for us and that is being so kind of you.”
This was a huge adventure for both Kieran and Liam and they have had a great experience. It has also been a superb PR exercise for Claygate Royals FC. The school children are going to keep in touch with how all the teams are competing this season as they keep up to date on the Club’s Website.
On behalf of all the children and staff at St John Leonard Primary School in Mpigi, Uganda...
Thank you!!
Kieran and Liam meeting the two teams as guests of honour!!
