Guernsey FC giving the shirts off their backs for Goal50

More than 200 items are due to be sent to the townships of Cape Flats, where the charity helps young people stay off the streets by giving many players the chance to play in SA soccer leagues.

‘I’d give the shirt off my back to change township communities,’ said Guernsey FC director Nic Legg.

In return for the kit, the players commit to offering their help with Goal50’s food programme at a time of great need for the community in which 20% of children have gone to bed hungry during lockdowns.

Goal50 aims to make positive community changes and encourage self-respect.

The charity’s founder, Nigel Pascoe, described the journey of one of his star players, Jean-Pierre Jaftha.

‘JP was destined to be a superstar but his career was sadly derailed. His father got involved in dangerous gang warfare and his mental health became seriously fragile. The impact it was having on his life was so significant that his professional contract was not renewed.

‘Goal50 picked him up and the club’s two chaplains gave him time and attention. His game is certain to attract the attention of bigger clubs. JP’s life situation demonstrates just how a dysfunctional family and community can stifle an individual’s wellbeing,’ said Mr Pascoe.

The kit being donated is said to have a huge amount of life left in it, but is now redundant for the Guernsey team.

Hundreds of Guernsey FC shirts have travelled over 6,000 miles, with young people wearing them to play township games as well as street football on dirt roads, often without shoes or boots.

Guernsey FC, nicknamed the Green Lions, played their first match in the Combined Counties League 10 years ago.