Cruden Homes’ Site Manager, Phil Purves, is not only well known for his busy day job managing housing developments in the East of Scotland - Phil is also chairman of his local kids’ football club, Tranent Colts FC in East Lothian. During his 18 years in the role he has grown the club to one of the biggest in the region. Phil and the club have also helped communities further afield in Rwanda, East Africa.
Phil led a team of delegates from Tranent Colts FC on a successful trip to Africa in 2016. The team assisted in several community projects, delivered football sessions to children, including homeless street kids and disabled children. They got a real insight in to how football could help build communities in Rwanda and were keen to revisit.
Following on from this successful trip, Phil and a group of volunteers from Tranent Colts FC, SFA, Hearts FC and other Platinum status quality mark clubs from the South East Region will be returning to Rwanda in February 2020 to help more children and communities.
Phil said: “Our last trip to Rwanda was a life changing experience, we gained a real insight in to how difficult life can be for children in communities in Rwanda. It was incredible to see the difference football could make through the huge smiles on the children’s faces. We made a lot of friends who we have kept in touch with, and are thrilled to go back to Rwanda in February to strengthen our links with these organisations, assist with community projects and deliver football sessions to more children.
“From our last visit, we know this opportunity can make a real difference to young Rwandans’ lives. We will be visiting the Faith and Hope school, where we will be coaching as many pupils as possible. We will be returning to the school for disabled children to deliver several sessions, and will spend as much time as possible coaching football to street kids again.
“For the first time, we will be making an overnight trip to Bisisero. This town has shut itself away since the genocide, in which they lost over 50,000 people during the massacres. We are keen to bring the power of football to the younger generation in this town and show how it can help build communities.
Cruden have made a donation of £500 to support Phil and the team on their second mission to help children in Rwanda. Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes said: “We’re delighted to be able to support Phil and Tranent Colts FC on their second trip to Rwanda. Phil goes above and beyond to make a difference in the local community and in Rwanda, we are proud to have him as an employee”.
For individuals and organisations who are interested in supporting Tranent Colts FC’s visit to Rwanda, find out more at www.gofundme.com/tranent-colts-rwanda-2020, contact Phil Purves on 07980 373758 or Wendy McFadden (Fundraising Officer) on 07800 879662 or email tranentcoltsfc@yahoo.co.uk
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