On a recent trip to South Africa, I, along with 32 other members of Wanstead CC, had the privilege of spending an afternoon with the kids of Ntwasahlobo Primary School in Khayelitsha, South Africa's biggest and fastest growing township.

Our purpose, via the Sporting Chance charity, was simple - coach cricketing skills as a way of self-improvement and personal development.

It's hard and difficult to explain the experience. 'Humbling' and 'overwhelming' are the words which come to mind, yet an understatement.

Unemployment in Khayelitsha is at unprecedented levels. Vast majority of families are on state 'welfare' of R320/month, equivalent to £20.
Despite the adversities they face on a daily basis, the few hours spent with the kids puts our world into perspective.

The enthusiasm, discipline and positive attitude they showed was infectious. The ground we used was littered with every foreign object debris you can think of, and yet they were running around shoe-less, diving and rolling around like footballers. They didn't once stop smiling ear to ear.

We complain about not being able to buy/afford the next latest gadget. We forget the three basic fundamentals everyone needs - food on the table, clothes on your back and a roof over your head. Most of these kids lack some of these basic needs.

As part of an ongoing relationship between Sporting Chance and Wanstead CC, we are taking this opportunity to really give back.

The aim - visit Khayelitsha once (if possible twice) a year to spend time with the kids in whatever capacity the school and the charity see fit.

Through monetary and sporting kit donations, we want to raise as much as possible and hand deliver it to the kids - words will not and cannot explain the joy on their faces.

Any donation, no matter how big or small, will go a long way for these kids.

Please share this link with your friends, families and colleagues. Every little will help.