Travel plans have been finalised for the three Hampstead FC coaches who are flying to Kenya next month to help develop youngsters’ sports skills, after �2,600 was raised in support of the initiative.

Coaches Michael Dowsett, Tracy Dowsett and Vicki Jezierski volunteered to travel to Kisii, in western Kenya, after they were told of a plan to aid the development of young Kenyans through football.

The enterprise, named African Passions, is the brainchild of Aaron Zipper who hit upon the idea while on a working holiday in the area last summer.

On his return to the UK Zipper rallied support for the venture by staging fundraising tournaments at King Alfred School.

He later teamed up with Hampstead, who have amassed a huge amount of used kit, which has been forwarded to Kenya.

“We have had such fantastic support by the parents of players and we have had a flood of kit coming in,” said Hampstead boss Mike Powell.

“We have raised �2,600 which is fantastic. We have got the money for the flights and so it is all underway.

“Their accommodation has also been sorted and they will be staying with Pastor Robert Nyamwange, a local person involved in the project.

“They will be coaching and working within the community and will be away for a total of two weeks, leaving on April 9.”

Zipper has been delighted by the response, which continues with a five-a-side tournament at King Alfred School on April 2.

“We now have 10 boys’ teams and two girls’ teams [in Kisii] who get together most days of the week,” Zipper said.

“Each team has a manager who voluntarily coaches them. All squads are equipped with footballs, shirts and some of them have football boots, so a massive thanks to Hampstead FC and King Alfred School for their donations.

“Along with the three qualified FA coaches from Hampstead, we also have two volunteers going out over the summer to head the education side of the project.

“Up until now there has only been one piece of land which is playable on, however it belongs to a local school and is very expensive to use.

“We are proud to report that our first pitch has just been flattened. As soon as the grass grows back it will be ready to host frequent games.”

? HAMPSTEAD Under-13s won both games of their double-header against Pinner Albion at the weekend, winning 3-1 and 4-0.

? IN the Cheshunt Youth League Cup quarter-final Locomotive Youth Under-14s beat Waltham Abbey 3-0 to set up a semi-final clash with Leyton United.

Charles Prince opened the scoring, and Shane Cojocarel headed in the second before George Fitzsimmons made it three and sealed a place in the last four.