FOOTBALL-MAD youngsters and adults in Africa have benefited from the generosity of Colchester United supporters.

FOOTBALL-MAD youngsters and adults in Africa have benefited from the generosity of Colchester United supporters.

Last year hundreds of U's fans took part in a three month-long shirt “amnesty” by taking their old football strips to the club shop to be donated to KitAid, a charity which sends unwanted kit to poor communities across Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.

As well as old shirts, Colchester United's brand new strip was among the delivery to the village of Kerewen in the Gambia at an education project.

In return for the fans' support, Colchester United's sponsors Haart and Spicer McColl estate agencies ensured that they were given a £10 discount off the new shirt.

KitAid founder Derrick Williams MBE said: “The response from Colchester United fans has been overwhelming and we are very grateful to Spicer McColl, Haart and Colchester United supporters for their generosity.”

Since it was founded ten years ago, KitAid has donated more than 50,000 shirts to 29 different countries.

Jonathan Martin, operations manager for the estate agencies said: “KitAid is a marvellous charity and thanks to the support of fans we were able to donate more than 400 shirts.”