15 August 2006
FA trip to Botswana

Watch the highlights of The FA's trip to Botswana, where Paul Gascoigne and Ray Clemence met the locals.

Former England internationals Paul Gascoigne and Ray Clemence have visited Botswana this week as part of a goodwill trip by the Football Association.

The ex-players, who each played more than 50 games for their country, have both spoken of the incredible experiences they had in the Southern African country - one of The FA's partner countries through the UEFA-CAF Meridian Project.

The primary purpose of the visit was to promote The FA’s international outreach programme and specifically its work in football to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS.

Gascoigne explained: "I really enjoyed it. It was good to be out there, playing football, seeing kids enjoying themselves and getting the message across about HIV because a lot of the population have died or been affected and a lot of kids left homeless.

"All in all, it's good that the message keeps getting sent across. I've learned a hell of a lot more than I knew before about HIV. Football is the biggest sport in the world and if we can keep these kids interested in playing football and learning about HIV at the same time and things like using condoms then Botswana will get better."

The trip began with an emotional visit to the Tlokweng SOS Children’s Village near the capital city Gaborone. SOS Children’s Villages is The FA’s international charity partner and Tlokweng provides homes for around 200 abandoned or orphaned children of all ages.

The delegation were welcomed by a musical performance from the children on home-made instruments, toured the facilities meeting the staff and youngsters, and took part in a football match.

Gascoigne said: "It was heart-warming really. Some of the stories we heard about the children being abandoned or orphaned were very sad but the work of The FA and with the likes of Ray and myself being here, it really seemed to help.

"They got lots of kit from The FA and they were over the moon. It was amazing to see them all happy and cheerful, there didn’t seem to be one sad face which was incredible. It put a different perspective on things in my mind, but you can see all the good work and what they are trying to achieve here."

Day two of the trip included a visit to Gaborone Hospital where doctors explained the extensive work that is being done to combat the AIDS pandemic which has stricken the country. Botswana is among the countries hardest hit by AIDS. In 2005 there were an estimated 270,000 people living with HIV - around a quarter of the population.

Life expectancy is less than 40 years and an estimated 120,000 children have lost at least one parent to the epidemic. Botswana was the first African country to aim to provide antiretroviral therapy to all its citizens.

Clemence, now goalkeeping coach for England's national team, said: "I was able to meet a local man who has HIV and has been campaigning for many years to raise awareness and fight against the stigma attached to AIDS.

"He was an incredibly inspiring man who has had to fight against many prejudices. It was a very humbling experience to meet him and to talk to the medical staff and patients, especially the little ones.

"It brings it all home to you, we all moan about little things in life but when you see these kids with smiles in their faces despite all the problems they've got it makes you think life isn't too bad.

"Thankfully the Botswana Government seem to be getting to grips with it. The doctors and nurses we spoke to also believe they are making an impression on it. It was fantastic to play a small part in that and if we were able to make a few more people aware of the issues then it was a very worthwhile trip."

The visit concluded with a training session for Botswana's most promising young footballers at the National Stadium. Gascoigne and Clemence joined in a variety of games, all designed to raise awareness of the issues surrounding HIV and AIDS.

Gascoigne added: "The talent they've got is unbelievable. They've all got tricks and skills and they were very quick as well. The messages that were being put across in the games were fantastic and to see them all really enjoying themselves was an incredible experience."

The visit was part of The FA's International Relations Strategy which aims to use the power of football to build a better future.

"Football is truly a global sport," explained FA Chairman Geoff Thompson. "The FA is committed to playing a role, extending a helping hand and building solid links around the world."