By Paul Smith
Associação Nacional de Futebol de Rua
https://www.futrua.org/associacao/
Our 102nd consecutive donation was made to ‘Associação Nacional de Futebol de Rua’ (ANFR), based on the northern outskirts of Lisbon. Their mission is to use Street Football to provide a range of social support policies to children/young adults and are funded almost exclusively by the public.
Their motto is – “WE ARE ALL ONE! I AM BECAUSE WE ARE!”
Your donation of £5,000 (approx. €5782) will help them to continue to help run various social activities related to street football and will also include study support sessions for the children. On arrival we met Vanda Ramalho and some of the team, along with a few of the children they support, who were entertained by our piper, Mark Love.
Vanda explained more about the work they do, including that they are also looking to fund a study room, new computers, new sports equipment and provide funds for sports camp expenses. This is so they can help the children to break free from the social isolation of their vulnerable neighbourhood, a neighbourhood that is one of the largest in Europe, where football helps to break down all the various barriers that this environment brings.
Of course it was only right we went outside so the children could have a kick about with us and you’ll be glad to know, the Sunshine Appeal’s unbeaten record is still intact but only as it was a kick about and not a game!
Leaving a Legacy
In addition to the donation, on behalf of Jen Blackwood’s family, a number of her Scotland tops were also handed over, meaning that in Lisbon, a little bit of Scotland will continue to play the game she loved and at the same time, continue to help others, something very close to her heart.
Our thanks to Tomás da Cunha who helped us with the recipient, including convincing them our offer was genuine! Also, the British Embassy (Nigel Boud and Andrew Owenson) who also came along to recognise and support the work of the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal.
Here’s some links to reports of the donation:
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24572425.tartan-army-praised-portuguese-childrens-charity-donation
Our thanks to everyone for your continued support of the Sunshine Appeal and onwards to the 103rd donation in Zagreb next month.
#EverywhereWeGo