Two sixth form students are supporting sports-mad youngsters in southern Africa to play the game they love.

Haberdashers’ Monmouth Schools pupils Barney Thomas-Hewartson, from Monmouth, and Chris Tang, from Clearwell, secured a large delivery of sports equipment that has been shipped to Ngamo Lions Soccer Academy.

The Monmouth boys were inspired by the enthusiastic children they met in Zimbabwe earlier this year and who, in the face of adversity and poverty, work hard to better themselves.

“Through generous sponsors, we have been able to secure 100 pairs of football/rugby boots, 200 match kits of branded shirts, shorts and socks (five team colours) and footballs, nets and kit bags,” said Chris and Barney.

Earlier this year, the pair took than 40 schoolbags from Monmouth Prep School to Zimbabwe as part of The Hwange Schools Project, which aims to improve literacy levels in Matabeleland.

At the time, Barney and Chris had difficultly playing rugby and football in bare feet. But now they are very pleased to be helping support sporting opportunities for children through the Ngamo Lions.