The first football game to take place in aid of supporting projects in Zambia actually precedes Friend of EduSport as a recognised organisation. Back in June 2006 Derek Keir gathered together friends and family to host a game that has now developed into an annual event. The first game took place at Camelon Juniors ground and since 2008 has been played on the hallowed turf of Firs Park (East Stirlingshire’sground for those unfamiliar with Scottish Football). 

The line up has seen players come out of retirement, famous faces (including Chick Young! ),Scottish Cup winners, professional footballers and also footballers from Falkirk that span several generations. Over the last two years the annual game has also had the presence of Lyson Zulu, Zambian International! But the line up that deserves a special mention is the team which can claim two generations and 4 members from the Keir family. Few would put money against the third generation of Keir’s joining in the action in a couple of years with Kyle already showing a talent for the beautiful game .

In 2010 the teams lined up once again in Friend of EduSport strips. Since 2006 the Annual football game has grown in reputation and incredibly raised over £2500. The funds from this year (over £700 raised) will contribute to our focus project to buy land for Chawama SEE school in Lusaka. All involved agree that the game contributes to our charity objectives but of equal importance; provides an opportunity to get old friends together. We’d like to wish Greg Johnson a speedy recovery from an Achilles injury sustainedin his efforts to spur his team to victory this year. 

As always a significant amount of preparation goes on behind the scenes of any event; we would like to recognise the support of Marion and Alan Keir for making this happen and creating such a successful annual event.

We are already lookingforward to the fixture in 2011!