GLOUCESTERSHIRE referee and Rednock School student, Richard Boroughs, will be travelling to West Africa in September 2009 to spend four weeks volunteering at the Right to Dream Football Academy in Ghana.

The 17-year-old has been collecting unwanted football strips and is grateful for the donations he has received so far, ranging from youth to men’s kits, from clubs including Forest Green Rovers, Slimbridge and Wickwar.

However, he is now looking for sponsorship to fund his trip and help get the kits out as KLM airlines charge up to £160 for baggage excess due to the kits he is taking.

Boroughs, who plays football for Uley and also officiates in the Stroud & District Youth League, will be using his skills to help tutor the students as well as referee at the academy.

He said: “I have wanted to travel and spend time helping and doing something for the benefit of others for a while now. I look forward to fulfilling a dream.

“I am seeking sponsorship to help me finance my time in Ghana and to transport the kit we have been given. Kit is worth so much over there as most teams do not have matching kit.”

The non-profit making, international academy was established in 1999 and offers underprivileged children the opportunity to reach their true potential in life through sport and education. So far 80 students have benefited from the scholarships the last 5 years.

Nineteen students from the academy have continued their academic studies and sporting careers in the USA and UK.

This includes five students currently studying at UWE and Hartbury College. Two other graduates signed professional contracts for Fullham.

Boroughs will be travelling to Africa with his girlfriend Emma Roberts, who will be doing volunteer work at an orphanage in Ghana.

If you are interested in what Richard is doing or interested in sponsoring him please call him on 01453 860954 or 07969273893. He can also be contacted via e-mail using fulham7@hotmail.co