Perhaps you still have a personal memory of World Cup 1966? In 2010 South Africa will be hosting the Football World Cup, but the excitement and euphoria generated in the big cities will never reach many thousands of the poorest children in the same country. Due to extreme poverty in many areas the children have never played with a proper ball, and it is common to find groups throwing or kicking scrunched up plastic bags as a substitute.

A scheme has been set up in the area - “ITUMEDISA NGWANA” or “CREATE FUN FOR THE CHILDREN”- with the aim of making sure all children can be included in the big event. Our friends in the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman have asked us here in the Oxford Diocese to help them to finance the purchase and distribution of footballs to the poorest areas – for the whole community of children, regardless of whether they belong to a church or not.

In response, a small group of Kidlington people have created the “FUND A FOOTBALL” campaign to raise money in our local community to help them reach as many children as possible from 220 parish bases in the N.W.Province and Northern Cape. We are appealing for the help of the whole local community to raise money for footballs to be taken to these deprived children, so they too can experience some of the magic the Football World Cup brings to the rest of the world. Footballs cost just £15 each.

Do you belong to a group, church or club who would like to contribute to this worthwhile cause? If so, your generosity would not only be very much appreciated but would bring a lot of pleasure to these children who miss out on the normal things of life. More details are available from 01865-372709 or 01865-378014. Donations should be sent to Kidlington Parish Office, 19 Mill Street, Kidlington, OX5 2EE - cheques made out to “Kidlington PCC”, and marked clearly on the envelope and on the back of the cheque with “Fund A Football”. Your anticipated generosity is much appreciated and will bring a lot of pleasure to the lives of needy children. Thank you!

Terry and Margaret Pickin and Kathryn Ellis