FORMER Chase School student Sean Paddock has been able to donate a huge haul of football resources to a Ghanaian football project close to his heart.

Paddock, 25 from Malvern, spent a month in the African country before Christmas helping out a local football team - Shark FC - and upon his return home, has been able to continue his support to make a real difference. 

“Having been there for a month, I was blown away with the talent and desire to improve within both squads, but the biggest barrier for everyone involved is resources,” said Paddock.

“The most pressing examples being football boots, footballs and football kits. The amount of skilful kids who are desperate to train and play in the local teams but can’t due to missing a pair of football trainers/boots is heartbreaking.

“Training with these kids has been an incredible experience but seeing so many having to sit and watch because they can’t afford the required footwear seems unfair and so fixable.”

Having been a part of the team’s coaching set-up in a voluntary position, Paddock is hoping to supply both the senior and youth team - based in Frankadua, Ghana - with football kit to enable them to continue their development.

And the local community in Malvern have been generous in their donations.

Malvern Gazette:

Paddock has managed to collect an impressive haul; 34 pairs of boots or trainers, two full team kits (shorts and tops), 18 club football tops, eight pairs of goalie gloves, five footballs, three sets of bibs, a set of cones and a few pairs of shinpads.

"It's an incredible haul which will change the lives of many in Shark FC and the wider community and I’m extremely happy that we have been able to help out," he added.

"Time to get it all shipped!"

But Paddock is not wanting to stop there. He is still hoping to gain some more football boots for the younger children (size 3-8) which he can send on to Ghana.

Please get in touch with him on Facebook or in the comments section below if you wish to donate some kit.