ALLMAN Town Primary’s sports programme has been given a boost with the donation of football gear from soccer coach Winston Richards, a Jamaican living in Canada.

The items were delivered to the school’s sports department on January 27 in a short ceremony.

Richards’ niece Sydna Amore, who spoke on his behalf, said it was while visiting her uncle in Canada that she had expressed that Allman Town Primary had a genuine need, which she realised when she was placed there to help with the progress of grade four students.

“I was placed at the Caenwood Resource Centre as a teacher to help grade four students who were slow learners. Apart from that I realised there was a general need for resources. When I went away I spoke with my uncle and he said he was in a position to help as he would get gear from a small soccer club that he could donate from time to time,” Amore said.

The donations included football boots, knee pads, football cones, jerseys and footballs.

“I always have my heart in Jamaica and it’s a pleasure to bring joy to kids,” Richards told Career & Education.

“If this is the way I can reach them to keep them out of trouble, then I’m going to do it. If this will give them something to do and make a difference, why not help?”

Meanwhile, Peter Deeble, GC Foster College student, volunteer football coach and PE teacher at the school, said he was grateful for the donation.

“I appreciate it because sometimes when we’re playing a match, some of them don’t have gear and I have to give them mine to play in. The need is there and at times when I have sneakers thrown down at home or what I haven’t used, I have to bring it and give to them,” Deeble said.

He added that because of the passion he has for the children at Allman Town, he has volunteered his services.

To ensure the children are adequately prepared for sports he trains them at the National Heroes Park, but an actual training ground is what is really needed.

Toyan McLean, head of the sports department at the primary school, expressed

his gratitude to Amore

and her uncle for considering the school when they decided to help.

“I have to express thanks because the need is there. We may not have the space but we have the heart to do well. Now that the students have the proper gear their full potential can be realised.”

— Kimberley Hibbert