A FORMER city footballer is appealing for old boots to help kit out a team he coached in Uganda.

Winston Bailey, who played for Worcester City and made an FA Cup appearance for Malvern Town in the early 1980s, was visiting his partner Emma as she worked at a hospital in Gulu, Uganda.

Wanting to help out during his month-long stay, Mr Bailey decided to organise football skill schools for teenagers at a local juvenile remand home.

Having spent time perfecting dribbling and passing with the group of children aged between 13 and 17, he organised a match against local team Area Code.

With most of the players five and six years older than Mr Bailey’s remand team, Area Code eventually ran out comfortable 11-1 winners.

“We got beat quite heavily but the boys enjoyed it and saw the level they needed to get to,” he said.

“Our lads had to play in bare feet whereas the other team were completely kitted out. They suffered a fair few kicks on the ankle. That is what gave me the idea to try and get them some kit.

“I thought if we can get them some boots they can start playing more games and if they want to join a football team when they go back into the community, they’ll already be prepared if they have a pair of boots.”

Mr Bailey said the entire stay in Uganda was a fantastic experience and he is now focused on supplying the team with boots.

“The lads would be grateful for anything that could be provided for them.

“It was great to see them enjoying football and forgetting about the reasons why they are in the home for an hour or two.

“I purposely didn’t ask why any of the children were in the home, I just wanted to teach them and they could have a clean slate with me.

“Yes, they have done bad things but I think everybody deserves a second chance.

“We had quite a few Arsenal fans which didn’t go down well because I’m a Manchester United fan and some of the lads laughed at how I pronounced things.

“We had a bit of a party on the final day - the lads got some fresh fruit which I don’t think they usually get much of and some pop and sweets.

“I really enjoyed my time with them and was very sad to leave.”

If you would like to donate football boots, contact Winston at w1nnah3mm4@gmail.com