A large number of the boys were boarders of the centre and had no tutor or parents. The boys and the centre are based in Abidjan, the capital.

With the support of the Ivory Coast Rugby Federation touraid was able to identify with a programme run along similar lines as the successful soccer academy –Elite FC. The essence of the programme is to offer talented young boys from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to learn new skills and have support whist they mature to adulthood.

Certainly, within two minutes of their arrival at Amesbury they were displaying their all-round football talent with their hosts. Two groups of children who could not be from wider backgrounds proving that there is more that unites us than divides us across the world.

The week included a special training session with Chester Williams and friendships were made that were evident to see by all.

The master i/c sport and the Headmaster have committed to building the facilities desperately needed in Abidjan to house the orphaned children. Clothes and books had already been dispatched by the end of the week.

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