Football coaches go into Africa

From the Wiltshire Times, first published Friday 14th Dec 2007.

TWO Chippenham Sunday League footballers will travel to Uganda at the end of the month to deliver training sessions with a difference.

Chris Penelhum and James Wain will go to Uganda with Tackle Africa, a charity that uses football to increase understanding of HIV and AIDS, helping African people to live safe and healthy lives.

Penelhum and Wain, who coach Trowbridge Wanderers will be part of a small group that will be based in the slums of the capital, Kampala.

Penelhum, who plays for Fourth Division Trowbridge Town Supporters' Club and Wain, a new signing for Premier Division Holt, will be hosted by Kamwokya Christian Caring Community.

They will work with KCCC peer educators and All Stars Academy coaches to reach around 100 young players per day at the soccer clinic run during the school holidays.

The two coaches head for Uganda on December 29 with Penelhum staying for a fortnight and Wain returning after a month.

Interest in football on the continent will be higher than ever with the African Cup of Nations due to start on January 20.

Penelhum said the project was the realisation of a long-held ambition for himself and Wain.

Penelhum said: "Me and James always talked about going off to different places to do coaching.

"I've never done this sort of thing and the experience for myself and James will be immense.

"It's just over two weeks now and there's still so much left to do but the excitement is getting more and more every day.

"We will teach football and incorporate the message of HIV and AIDS at the same time.

"It's a way through to them without sitting in a classroom and them getting bored after half an hour.

"If you give them something they like then you can teach them at the same time.

"When you're a young kid you just want to be out kicking a ball and we're the same."

Penelhum and Wain both have an FA Level two coaching badge, meaning they can coach more complex techniques and tactics than those at level one.

Wain, who is leisure activities development officer for Trowbridge Town Council, was involved in a missionary project in South Africa with a local church in 2004, and saw first hand the effects HIV and AIDS has on a community.

Wain said he would like to thank Trowbridge Town Council for their support in allowing him to take time off to be part of the project.

To help fund the trip the duo are planning a series of sponsored events early next year.

Penelhum said himself and Wain wanted to avoid traditional fundraising events and do something more high-profile, with a sponsored boxing match between the pair high on the agenda.

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