Why give footballs?

Our founder, John Haycock comes from Africa and is a tour operator in London.He is used to the FAQ from people as they prepare to go to Africa on safari, holiday or to do business: 'What can I take as a gift?'. In the past the best answer has always been pens or T-shirts, good clean clothing and of course books. But each of those tends to be gifts for individuals and to be frank, can cause jealousy.

The design is eye-catching!

With the FIFA World Cup coming to Africa, it seemed that a football was the answer: so I designed three balls, each in the colours of the flags of South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Now we can produce balls in the colours of every African state from Morocco and Egypt in the north to Swaziland and Lesotho in the south.

The need is there

As I travel around Africa, I am constantly aware that football keeps kids off the streets, promotes a healthier life and provides an essential link in the greatest tenet of African life, UBUNTU, care for all humanity. Watch how Africans always share a gift, if they can, and enjoy the sight of hundreds of children playing football. It inspired me, seeing thousands in the foothills of the Drakensberg, on the Cape Flats, in the deserts of northern Namibia and on the still-bushy fields of Zambia; all playing with one of our balls

John Haycock
Founder, Footballs for Fun Foundation