British teen fundraising to coach young Rwandan footballers

A teenage in the United Kingdom is on a fundraising campaign to enable him fulfil his dream of coaching football to children in Rwanda.

Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Lewis Foskett from Sandhurst is raising money for his football coaching trip to Rwanda by selling an Olympic shirt signed by double gold medallist Mo Farrah. Net photo

A teenage in the United Kingdom is on a fundraising campaign to enable him fulfil his dream of coaching football to children in Rwanda.Lewis Foskett, who is walking around 40 miles visiting each English Premier League football stadium in London, has so far raised more than £3,000 (Rwf3m). His target is to raise £6,000 (Rwf6m).Lewis, of Oak Avenue, Owlsmoor, said: "My dad’s coming with me and he supports West Ham so we’re hoping to finish off there as my team Newcastle are playing them that day.”"I’ve done lots of fundraising already. I did a quiz night which raised £700 and a £400 from a 24-hour table tennis game,” the 18-year-old was quoted in the Reading Post.He has also sold items signed by celebrities, including DVDs signed by Little Britain stars, Matt Lucas and David Williams, and a London 2012 Olympic shirt signed by gold medallist runner Mo Farah.He added: "I used to collect autographs as a hobby and went off it as I got older but realised how easy it was to get them. I messaged lots of management companies and got the items valued. I’ve probably raised about £500 from doing that.”He said: "Since 2008 the school has been raising money for people affected by the Rwandan genocide and I went to Rwanda with them in February last year.”The aspiring coach, who helps out with the fundraising at his old school, said: "I’m hoping to coach football in Ntarama, an orphan village."The children there just light up when they see the football equipment. Not many of them can play, but I’ll be working for a group which teaches football for free.”The college student is now waiting to hear about a job which will see him coaching football in England, while he continues to reach."I don’t have a job at the minute and my parents have been so supportive, but if I get a job, I’ll be able to start paying bills and put my own money towards Rwanda.”