Since kicking off the campaign back in September, the 'gospel' of Score Ethiopia, with a little help from England legend and footy megastar John Barnes, has been delivered far and wide! The team has been awash with enquiries from primary school teachers through to Ethiopian dignitaries all aspiring to get involved.
So far, we estimate our kit design and exchange competition has reached a staggering 21,000 UK pupils, not to mention the huge number of Ethiopian pupils who are taking part too! Our Ethiopian information packs have clearly been a 'hit' with pupils. "The kids have relished the opportunity to embrace and learn about the Ethiopian culture," said one teacher. "It's new, different and really broadened their horizons." We also ensured the 'corridors of power' knew all about the campaign too, with a mail drop to MP's and other influencers across the country. And, as it's an initiative based around the love of the 'beautiful game' we announced it to all football league clubs, many of whom have featured campaign details in their matchday magazines.
Beginning with schools in Portsmouth, the kit design competition took in Bristol, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, and Sunderland. Pupils at schools right across each and every one of these regions have now designed top draw football kits. And, linking up with each area's regional newspaper, we showcased the designs in the sports pages and asked readers to vote on the most stylish jersey to be worthy of being made into a full strip. Winners so far are:
- Portsmouth - Riley Regan of Newtown Primary
- Bristol - Lauren Codd of St. Matthias & Dr Bells CE VA Primary School
- North East - Luke Stevenson of Lambton Primary School
And, with two regions, Birmingham and Sheffield, still to be decided, we'll have more top draw designs to bring you soon!
Any schools who haven't been contacted but wish to take part in the initiative should contact the Score Ethiopia hotline on 0161 828 5400 or visit http://www.linkethiopia.org/score/
