BUCKIE Thistle's commitment to developing young footballers took an unexpected twist recently when they agreed to lend a north east charity a hand.

Following an approach from local woman Margo Howe on behalf of the charity Nectar (North East Caring Through Aid and Renewal), the club donated around a dozen strips which have gone to the African nation of Ghana. 

Along with strips donated by fellow Highland League side Fort William, soccer mad youngsters in a village in the poverty-stricken nation will be able to form their own league and develop their football skills.

Buckie Thistle President Mark Duncan noted that the club were delighted that they were able to help out some keen footballers on the other side of the world.

"When we saw Margo's photos of the kids with the strips and the smiles they had on their faces, we were just absolutely delighted," he said. "We were originally approached by the Highland League to get involved and help out, and we were pleased to be able to supply around a dozen or so strips, the majority of which had never been worn. "The strips are from about eight years ago when the electrical firm Fritz was the first team sponsor. "Buckie Thistle are proud to have supported this appeal and would urge other Highland League clubs to do so as well.

The response to her appeal has left Mrs Howe overwhelmed, and she stressed the difference it had made to the Ghanaian children concerned, most of who have very little.

"I am quite delighted at the response I have received from Buckie Thistle and Fort William and it has made a big difference," she commented. "We took the strips out on March 20 and the children were just over the moon when they got their strips and the footballs we took out. "They went to the Boys' Brigade in the area and pupils at two local primary school, Greenhill and St John's. One of the strips we received is going out in May and we will be able to put a new logo on it for the boys. "The strips - one set from Buckie Thistle and three from Fort William - are all different colours and it means they can now look at forming their own league in the future. They children now have coaching on Saturdays from the PE teachers. "I would like to say I am very grateful to John Grant for putting out the appeal on my behalf to the Highland League clubs. "It is wonderful to see all these children so far away running around in colours that mean so much to so many people here."

However, Mrs Howe is not content to rest on her laurels and is continuing her appeal, not only for youngsters in the community who received the first consignment of strips, but another village in Ghana where Nectar have an ongoing project.

She continued: "I am still appealing for other strips, and in particular smaller strips for the younger children so they can enjoy the same benefits as the older ones. "We are looking to get strips for children in the mountain village of Osomdompe where Nectar have a project. "As well as strips for both villages we are also keen to try and get football boots as well. Football is a very popular game in Ghana but most of these children have no strips or football boots. Those that do have boots treat them as treasured possessions. "Anyone who thinks they can help out can get in touch with me on (01343) 821277."

Nectar work both at home and abroad to help eliminate poverty by supporting, either through direct or indirect involvement, programmes specifically designed to provide high levels of education, skills development, health care, clean water supply and waste water disposal systems and adequate housing provision. In addition to supporting projects aimed at supporting poor communities, nectar also petition governments and other funding bodies on their behalf. In their work, Nectar abide by six core principles, namely: nurture; equality; communion; trust; action; resources.

More information on the charity's work can be found on their website at wwwnectarnet.org.uk.

Story courtesy of Banffshire Advertiser