East Preston footballers reach out to India

Ashley Macey, 15, a student at The Littlehampton Academy, is nearing the end of a 10-day trip to the sub-continent with the CRED Foundation, which takes young people to developing countries to learn about life there and take part in projects.

She and seven others from the academy have travelled with students from Windlesham House School, Washington, and members of St John Ambulance.

All had to raise £1,500 towards the cost of the trip. Ashley, who lives in Littlehampton, was given £50 each by East Preston Devils women’s football club, East Preston FC and also its sports and social club.

Ashley plays in goal for the Devils’ under-16s and is fixture secretary for the women’s club. She also plays for Brighton and Hove Albion’s under-17s’ squad.

During the visit to India, Ashley and the others have been teaching and running activities for a school near Nalajala. Before leavingthey will also give the school a large donation towards running costs and to provide better facilities.

A leper colony, orphanage and slums where the schoolchildren live are also on their itinerary.

Ashley thanked all at East Preston for their support, and especially chairman Ron Gillard, for his time helping to organise raffles and fund-raisers.