"Gear for Gambia Appeal" is a new appeal set up Daniel Elliot, founder of a local coaching company, Football Masterclass, in the United Kingdom.

The appeal aims at acquiring football gear for young Gambia players. Daniel Elliot, a UEFA B coaching licence holder, recently visited the Gambia during which he discovered a nation whose passion for football can rival any British football enthusiast. Daniel believes the Gambian youngsters' passion for the game does not match the equipment, and shortly after his return to UK, the Football Masterclass founder set up a project dubbed "Gear For Gambia Appeal" in his bid to assist the Gambian kids.

"During my trip I met with local football teams and watched them train and play a game. The skill level of the Gambian footballers is exceptional but the facilities do not match their passion and skill. They generally play in old boots or bare feet and some of the teams don't even have proper shirts to play with," he said.

He continued: "The idea of Football Masterclass Gear for Gambia Appeal is for children and adults to donate boots which no longer fit them. Training equipment are the main focus; cones , bibs , goals , footballs etc." Daniel has already identified a team in Vidar Football Club who would benefit from his first philanthropic gesture.

Vidar FC is a Bakau-based youth club which produced 3 international players who represented the Gambia U-17's in the World Cup in Peru with all the players featuring in the Gambia's victorious game against the mighty Brazil. The Bakau club also have two of their products in the current Gambia U-17 team that clinched the 2009 African U-17 title in Algeria last month. Since launching the appeal couple of months back, Daniel, who is also a member of the FA Coaches Association, has been receiving some positive news.

Clint Widdowson, owner of Arches Lane Auto Spares, Rugby has generously agreed to fund the cost of sending the packages to the Gambia, while English Championship side, Coventry City Football Club, have also agreed to assist the appeal. The Gambia Football Association also welcomed the gesture, while the Gambia's widely circulated newspaper, the Daily Observer, has also offered to cover the presentation of the gear to the local teams. Though Daniel is pleased with the positive developments so far, he still believes that further help from local people of Rugby and throughout Warwickshire will make the appeal a success.

For further questions regarding the appeal, reach Daniel on 07840 797 500 or
email dan@footballmasterclass.co.uk