A St Albans businessman is supporting a campaign to donate football boots and sports equipment to children in Africa.

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Welwyn Pegasus FC is hosting a boot donation for the Boots2Africa campaign, headed up by committee member Jamie Allam who is commercial director at a St Albans-based security company.

Boots2Africa aims to received and deliver one million donated boots by 2030, helping people in Africa with no access to boots who are at risk of snake bites and foot infections.

Jamie said: “While our children are often lucky enough to play football with all the necessary kit, even discarding equipment at the end of every season, millions of children across Africa have no access to shoes for school and playing games.

“We can help. Boots2Africa is a campaign that I was pleased to support in my coaching role with Welwyn Pegasus FC. If we can create an easy environment for those willing to donate unwanted equipment, kits and boots to work towards the Boots2Africa goal, then we can ensure we are doing our best to make a difference and level the playing field.”

Herts Advertiser: The Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR OriginsThe Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR Origins (Image: Archant)

The campaign, which is funded entirely through voluntary donations, was established by Iain Finch to collect, transport and distribute donated boots to Africa’s children and young adults through relief organisations.

Iain said: “I have seen first-hand how disease, infections and snakebites kill thousands and injure and incapacitate many others every year. Many others struggle because of illness caused from infections of the foot.

“I am so grateful for Jamie’s support, and I hope the pre-season donation event, as the first of its kind, sets up a precedent for others to get involved and support the cause.

“Together we can minimise this needless struggle affecting so many children and adults across Africa.”

Herts Advertiser: The Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR OriginsThe Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR Origins (Image: Archant)

Welwyn Pegasus FC is based in Welwyn Garden City and has more than 450 players aged between five and 17.

The boot donation will be held at the club’s pre-season tournament at Monk’s Walk School, Welwyn Garden City, from Saturday, September 1 to Sunday, September 2.

To get involved or find out how to donate any unwanted kit, boots or equipment go to www.boots2africa.co.uk

Herts Advertiser: The Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR OriginsThe Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR Origins (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR OriginsThe Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR Origins (Image: Archant)

Herts Advertiser: The Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR OriginsThe Boots2Africa campaign. Picture: PR Origins (Image: Archant)