A message from Patrick Maphoso

I established the Irish Branch of the African Schools Sports Association (ASSA) in 2007, part of the struggle for a fairer and more equal society that I have been part of since childhood.

ASSA provides sporting equipment and the full range of sporting gear for as many primary and secondary African schools as resources allow, to facilate underprivileged African children and to allow them to participate in School Tournaments.

The efforts of these children are rewarded and encouraged by the awarding of trophies and medals in various categories.

Sport throughout the world is known to be a very important part of every child's upbringing, well being and direction in life.

Similarly by enabling these African children to participate in sport it is limiting their risk of ending up on the streets and being forced into prostitution, drugs and perhaps falling under the masters of ambush and disorder.

Funds are urgently needed to expand the tournaments to include as many schools as possible throughout Africa.

The 2010 World Cup will be in South Africa and ASSA wants to have as many African children as possible playing and understanding the skills and rules to enable them to relish the occasion.

We intend to bring two school teams from Ireland this year to compete in the tournament leading up to the World Cup 2010.

For further information please email assa.irl@gmail.com

Many thanks for your kind support.

Patrick