Earlestown footballer brings a 'bag full of boots' to South Africa

As part of the Turing Scheme, named after the iconic British mathematician Alan Turing, 24 lucky students from Warrington's Priestley College flew out to South Africa in August.

With the Turing Scheme giving young people the opportunity to study or work abroad, the Priestley pupils visited schools and sports clubs around Cape Town to deliver lessons, games, and sports sessions, and learn about the South African culture and way of life.

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The Priestley students visited various schools and clubs in Cape Town (Image: Sam Dickenson) With the student's trip helping to fund schools and education in South Africa, one of the students who ran the PE lessons was Sam Dickenson, who wanted to deliver some equipment as part of his trip.

With Sam's football team, Earlestown Athletic, already operating a 'Boot Room' project, which offers affordable second-hand boots to club players, the under 17's player was handed a "bag full of boots" to take on his trip to South Africa.

As other pupils also delivered football kits and sports equipment, Sam said that his trip was an "amazing" experience that he won't forget anytime soon.

Delivering PE lessons in Cape Town (Image: Sam Dickenson) Some of the kits, boots, and trainers that were donated (Image: Sam Dickenson) Sam, 17, from Earlestown, said: "The whole experience was amazing really, and the kids started running over to us as soon as we got there.

"We travelled to a few different schools and after-school clubs, and they were all just so happy to see us.

"We taught them a few different games and sports they hadn't played before and they loved it. 

"The kids were so happy with the kits and the boots that were donated, which should make it easier for them to play sport, but they were already so happy when we got there. It did make me think of how lucky we are with the things we have back home."

Sam and Carl with his donated boots before his trip (Image: Sam Dickenson) Speaking about the collaboration with Earlestown Athletic, one of the club's coaches, Carl Bromilow, added: "When Sam approached me, I was delighted to help and meet with him to find out more about his trip.

"Sam is an inspirational young man, who Earlestown Athletic is proud to have as part of their club and it was an opportunity that I, along with the Earlestown Committee, felt we had to support.

"A selection of boots and astro-turf trainers were donated to Sam to take to his trip. Well done Sam!".

The Priestley students at the Cape of Good Hope (Image: Sam Dickenson)

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