The Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Charitable Appeal is operated from RAF Shawbury in North Shropshire in conjunction with the RAF Football Association.  

It is organised by Wing Commander Neil Hope MBE RAFR and the Appeal is designed to provide Aid across the world through football by collecting donations of football kit and redistributing them to the needy. 

Tom Brown and Neil Anderson are two friends that have been involved in Bell Inn FC for six years, managing the team for the past four after playing previously. Both said it was a difficult decision but are now hoping they can help to give others the opportunity to enjoy the game. 

Tom, pictured above (right) said: “We had a good run, but unfortunately it became harder and harder to get a starting eleven, even including ourselves, so we’ve decided to call it a day.”  

Neil, (left) added: “Every week we were pushing to try and get just enough to field a side - we wanted to manage, not play so it became a little bit of a chore. It’s a shame, but we’re all getting older now and I think it’s just run its course.” 

When concerning the donation of kit and equipment Neil highlighted the desire to do something that would enable less advantaged people to enjoy the game. 

“We wanted to do something good. Something that could inspire people in a country with less opportunity to take up the game and hopefully create a team.  

“The kit is in great condition, we were awarded it for reaching the 12/13 Sunday Intermediate Cup Final so it would be great to pass it on to someone somewhere who will really appreciate it.” 

Tom added: “We hope it will give some aspiring players the chance to enjoy the game as much as we all get the opportunity to in Norfolk. We also want to encourage others in the County to think about how they can help if they’re leaving the game.”  

When asked about the future of Bell Inn FC, Neil said: “There’s nothing to say we won’t have a team again in the future. For now we’re hoping to get a County 5IVES team set up as we want to continue to play.

Tom added: “Hopefully there will be a Bell Inn FC in Africa sometime soon – we’d be up for a friendly!” 

For more information about the Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal and donating your kit, please contact the Norfolk FA marketing team on 01603 704050 or email Marketing@NorfolkFA.com.