Uniforms make it to Uganda

Almost 30 Surf Coast FC uniforms are pictured being worn by local Ugandan soccer players in the rural town of Abim. Photos: SUPPLIED

SECOND-hand Surf Coast FC uniforms, sent three years ago to the African country of Uganda, have finally reached their destination.

Torquay-based soccer club Surf Coast FC last week received word from Australian charity Operation Uganda that a boys football team in Abim, rural North Uganda, would don blue and yellow stripes for years to come.

“It’s absolutely fantastic, wonderful to hear from the club’s perspective,” Surf Coast FC president Brett King said.

“It’s awesome to see what to us is an old asset get used in such a positive way, it’s an amazing feel-good story for us.”

The Torquay-based club sent the uniforms over to Uganda in 2019, but a mixture of COVID-19 and shipping delays severely prolonged the uniforms in reaching its destination.

A competition is run among the local schools in Abim, however, the self-named “Surf Coast FC boys” will be the only school in the district competing in uniforms due to the poverty faced by children living in the country.

Mr King encouraged local clubs to consider embarking on a similar path to Surf Coast FC by donating second-hand club resources.

“I’d absolutely suggest to local clubs around the region to consider helping out in a similar way,” Mr King said.

“The more we can help each other out in the world the world then becomes a better place, and we’re keen to keep engaged in initiatives like this. We as a committee are super proud.”

Regional development co-ordinator (Geelong region) at Football Victoria Foddy Kyprian said the collaboration between Surf Coast FC, Operation Uganda and Football Victoria is a sign of what is to come from other clubs across the region.

“Surf Coast FC were one of the clubs that were fantastic to work with for this initiative and supplying all the kits,” Mr Kyprian said.

“Karen [Evans] from Operation Uganda presented the uniforms to the players, who were simply overjoyed given they don’t ever get anything like this.

“It’s really special for the Greater Geelong footballing community, particularly Surf Coast FC, because we were able to make a big, big difference to a whole school of kids.

“Those uniforms will be passed down for another 10 years.”

Mr Kyprian said Surf Coast FC treasurer Jenine McCoach played a pivotal role in sending the uniforms to Uganda.

To learn more about Operation Uganda, head to www.operationuganda.org