Martin Allen

Notts County manager Martin Allen is flying out to Southern Africa next month to coach underprivileged kids in Botswana for the UK-based charity ‘Coaching for Hope’, which has been famously endorsed by David Beckham.

The Football Association and League Manager’s Association both notably support ‘Coaching for Hope’, which attempts to use football to improve the lives of underprivileged people in Africa.

The scheme has so far helped around 30,000 children and also aims to raise HIV awareness.

Allen first volunteered last year and spent a week coaching in Khayelitsha, near Cape Town, during the World Cup, and was visited by Sir Trevor Brooking, a prominent figure in the FA.

Allen also coached in Burkina Faso, in west Africa, in January.

He said the trips were two of the most fulfilling experiences of his life and he is looking forward to further helping the charity.

“They are probably the best trips I have ever been on,” he said.

“It was very humbling and opened my eyes a lot.

“I did a coaching course for local people so they can coach children in their townships. It was a great feeling to be able to help.

“Some of the kids I met were orphans and homeless and they didn’t have anything – no clothes, no shoes, no money, no TV, no phones, no computers. Everything we all take for granted.

“But, believe it or not, they had hope and I was struck by how happy they all were. They were so happy. It was a brilliant experience and I can’t wait to go out there again.”