David Boost Personal Trainer & Sports Consultant

Sports Development Work for COME (Christian Outreach Ministry & Education) Charity in Northern Uganda I visited the region of Gulu in northern Uganda, on four separate occassions, having been invited by the Ugandan charity COME to look at Sports development opportunities for the youth of the region. Northern Uganda has suffered from a terrible civil war for the last 18 years leaving the area impoverished, severely under resourced and many of the people traumatised.
Many children still live in fear and feel they have no future. Through sports, the talented youth of Gulu can once again rebuild a sense of community and gain some direction and hope with their lives. What they need is investment in equipment, coaching and facilities in order to move forwards.
	"Young sports lovers from Gulu"

''Football coaching at Gulu High School''		''Presentation of footballs to primary school children''
Kaunda Sports Ground Project Help us to develop a barren area of land in central Gulu for a number of sports, including: Football pitches, Basketball Courts, Netball, Courts, Volleyball Courts, Athletics track, Sports Pavillion. This project will make a huge impact to the youth of the region who have suffered from over 18 years of civil war. We need £110,000 to reach our target. If you would like to help with a donation no matter how large or small, or would like further information on this most worthwhile charity, please do not hesitate to contact me. COME (Christian Outreach Ministry & Education) Charity (UK), St Peter's Church, Norbiton, Surrey . Reg Charity: 1079477 Kilimanjaro Climb 2003

Photo of Mount Kilimanjaro In 2003 I undertook an epic climb of Africa's highest mountain. The trek took over 5 days to complete reaching a summit altitude of over 19,000 feet.

I raised over £2000 in sponsorship with all proceeds going to fund a sports development officer to work in the town of Gulu northern Uganda. I am grateful for all the generous contributions that made this climb so worthwhile. Thank you.

10 Mile Race - 2004

''In October 2004, 10 runners completed The Cabbage Patch 10 mile road race in Twickenham. The runners raised £2000 towards rebuilding the Kaunda Sports Ground in Gulu. This project requires over £100,000 in funding and will provide football, basketball, netball, volleyball and athletics facilities for the youth of Gulu.

John Karue and David Gitau, two Kenyan runners who were running for the COME charity, finished 6th
and 8th respectively in a field of over 1500 runners.

Phot of David Boost with runners of the 10 Mile Race

Boost for Uganda

Image of The FA.com banner

Boost for Uganda By Matt Hale. Friday, 09 July 2004

Photo of David Boost donating footbals in Uganda
David Boost hands out donated footballs in northern Uganda

The FA has pledged its continued support to the work of David Boost who, on behalf of UK-based charity COME, has been active in using football as a force for good in northern Uganda.

As a freelance fitness trainer and sports consultant, David was asked by COME (UK) to look into sports development in the Gulu region - a football-loving area which has been left largely isolated in terms of investment and infrastructure by the internal conflicts of the past 18 years.

On his two visits last year, David provided football coaching sessions as well as visiting schools to give talks and present England shirts and footballs donated by The FA. He also identified a suitable area of land on which it is hoped that 5 football pitches will be constructed.

Photo of David Boost with Ugandan youth football team

The development of sport in the region will be further enhanced by the appointmentby COME (UK) of a sports development officer to help oversee the setting up of children and youth leagues as well as providing access to schools who currently have no pitches or facilities of their own.

David said: "The development of football would provide hope and a positive way forwards for the youth who have suffered so much in the war." He returns to Gulu on the 27th of July and The FA is delighted to provide a further donation of kit and footballs. Head of International Relations, Jane Bateman said:

"The work you are doing is challenging and commendable and shares and reflects The FA's vision of 'using the power of football to build a better future.'; We wish you every success."

Kilimanjaro Climb 2003