The British contingent of an international football charity are coming to Bedfordshire this autumn, including at Kempston Rovers’ Hillgrounds, as Football Academy Noah raises funds to step up its charitable programmes.
Football Academy Noah is a charity who aim to bring football to underprivileged children and began life in the Mtubatuba region in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa but has now spread its wings across international borders.
The charity was 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.
Football Academy Noah, (known as FAN), works in over 60 primary schools in the African region, giving clothes, food, equipment and coaching to over 7,000 children, and are now stepping up preparation to roll out their programme to secondary schools.
To help in their quest, charity football matches are being set up across the county, beginning with a fixture between FAN FC and Isaac’s Eagles, who raise money for Great Ormond Street children’s hospital, on Sunday 28 September at the Westoning Rec.
There is also a fixture in the pipeline against a team representing the Teenage Cancer Trust to take place at the home of Kempston Rovers, Hillgrounds on a yet to be confirmed date in October.
British Ambassador for the charity, Bedford’s own Jamie Carter, spoke about the pride he feels helping the charity in aid of his former work colleague, Johan.
“Since going to South Africa in October 2024, and seeing the difference that Football Academy Noah makes to so many children, I am more determined than ever to raise more money for such an incredible cause,” said Jamie.
“It is a pivotal time for FAN as the charity will make a step change from supporting football in primary schools, to including secondary schools as well as introducing a netball programme.
“I am also delighted to hear that two of the children who were in the early years of the programme have signed for Amazulu Durban, a South African professional team.
“This wasn’t the purpose of FAN, but it is an added bonus!”
FAN are also charity partners with local side, Real Bedford FC, although their official unveiling at the Ledger Stadium last season was disrupted by the winter weather.
Read: Real Bedford announce collaboration with charity to bring football to underprivileged children
The charity are still on the lookout for more charity fixtures, with the aim of raising as much as possible for those who may not get opportunities in the world’s beautiful game.
Anybody who wants to organise a match against Football Academy Noah FC, donate, sponsor or get involved in any way possible can contact Jamie directly at jamie.carter@belron.com.
