The development charity 'Village Aid in Africa’ has just returned from a visit to its projects in Sierra Leone. The group, based in Bakewell, Derbyshire, channels UK government funds to projects on adult literacy, employment and advocacy work for women’s rights. Village Aid also supports an orphanage at Mile 91 for children who lost parents during the recent conflict. Among the delegation was David Drew, whose work as one of the authors of the 1997 research report 'Sheffield Divided or United? A Study of 'Race' and Football' underpinned much of FURD's early work. David approached FURD to help arrange for Sheffield United to donate 20 shirts to the orphanage and these were taken to the orphanage on this trip. Nuhu Salihu, the Village Aid Director commented:
‘These young people are crazy about English football and were absolutely delighted with the shirts. As a celebration a match was arranged between the boys and the girls. The girls nearly won! These teenagers will certainly be Sheffield United supporters from now on and this valuable gift helps support our continuing work in this beautiful and dynamic country'.