‘It shows what kind of character he is’: Royals ace praised for work with international charity

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By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

A WORLD-RENOWNED charity has commended the support it has received from Reading Football Club and one of its homegrown players.

KitAid works closely with the Royals to ship out soccer strips to teams across the developing world and was approached by vice-captain Tom Holmes over lockdown, who was keen to offer his services.

Speaking to Reading Today, founder Derrick Williams MBE discussed the special relationship between the charity, the club and grassroots teams across the world, who now sport the famous blue and white hoops.

KitAid collaborates with clubs at all levels of the English football pyramid, and is set to deliver its millionth kit in 2023 – its 25th year of activity.

Mr Williams said: “Reading have been fantastic with us. Their kit manager [Stewart Bannister] and staff are really good guys and I think they trust us and like what we do.

SUPPORTER: Reading supported

Pupils and staff have sent their well wishes to the Royals as they battle for Championship survival Picture: KitAid

“At the end of each season, when the shirt changes and they clear out, they give us a lot of kit and we make sure it gets through to teams that need it.”

Recent deliveries have seen children and adults in Zimbabwe, Ghana, Colombia and Bangladesh kitted out in the Royals kits and training tops from their 150th anniversary 2021/22 season.

The latest shipment was sent to Kokoben School in the Santasi District of Kumasi, Ghana, where students aged from 12-16 received last season’s home kit.

“We’ve done a lot in Ghana with Reading,” Mr Williams explained. “There’s even a