28 September 2021; Boots for Africa is an organisation dedicated to collecting and distributing pre-loved sports shoes/gear to African countries equipping and empowering young athletes in under-resourced communities. Since it was founded 13 years ago, Boots for Africa has assisted over 38,000 children in 9 African countries to reach their full potential and overcome adversity through sport. Throughout 2021 schools and clubs from across Ireland have donated over 900 pairs of boots, 1600 balls and other pieces of sporting equipment to the charity which have been distributed throughout Africa to children who have never had their own pair of shoes or a ball, let alone a pair of boots. Boots for Africa ambassador and women’s Springbok player Zintle Mpupha, third from right, who was involved with the distribution of Irish donations in South Africa, was joined by fellow ambassador and Springbok ‘A’ and Bulls forward Lizo Gqoboka, second from left, along with, from left, Clio Hughes of Clontarf Women's Rugby, Peter Kelly, Boots4Africa, Fionn Gilbert of Clontarf RFC and 9 year old Fred Kelly of the Clontarf Minis at Clontarf Rugby Club who are supporters of the organisation. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile