Real Bedford have announced a new partnership with Football Academy Noah, a charity who aim to bring football to underprivileged children in South Africa.
Football Academy Noah (FAN) is a charity set up by Johan Mortier whose son, Noah dreamed of making a difference to help the poorest in society.
Sadly, Noah was killed at the age of 16 in a fatal hit and run accident, but his legacy lives on via the medium of football.
FAN now works in over 60 primary schools in the region, giving clothes, food, equipment and coaching to over 7,000 children. They are now hoping to roll out their programme to secondary schools.
Jamie Carter, a former colleague of Johan’s, is now the UK Ambassador for Football Academy Noah:
“The [Mortier] family had travelled to South Africa a few times and Noah had mentioned that when he was financially able, he wants to do something to help the most poverty stricken areas.
“So, in his son’s honour, my colleague Johan started Football Academy Noah (FAN), a vision he had of going into schools and providing them with football equipment, coaching, food and most importantly, purpose.
“I was instantly drawn as I had just had my first son so said I wanted to help in any way I could.
“Together with a couple of colleagues, we have raised close to €70,000 through fundraising efforts at work and outside. Every year we hold a 12-hour five a side match on our office grounds. I play the full 12 hours, there’s a BBQ and a raffle and all proceeds go to FAN.”
He also describes what he saw on a recent visit to Mtubatuba in Kwazulu Natal to witness the work of the charity himself.
“It was honestly life changing. I want to do as much as I can for these kids. They have next to nothing but they are so smiley, so positive, and it honestly broke my heart to leave them.”
What’s more, two of the boys who have benefited from the charity have now signed for South African Premier League side, Amazulu Durban while one of the girls is now part of the South African national development team.
Creating a better future
Real Bedford have welcomed the new partnership.
“As well as Jamie, all of us at Real Bedford support FAN in changing the lives of those who are not as fortunate, through the power of football, to create a better future for all”, said the club.
“We will continue our partnership with FAN and plan to run future fundraising events in partnership, starting with a double page spread about this in our programme for Aylesbury.”
Real Bedford host fellow Southern League Central Division One side, Aylesbury United at the Ledger Stadium later on Saturday, with the game kicking off at 3pm.
You can find out more about the work of Football Academy Noah via their website here.
