Volunteers prepared donation kits for schools in West Africa _(Image: Futurestars)_
A group of Ipswich businesses have joined forces to help an educational charity.
On Saturday, November 30, a team of volunteers from Ipswich firms came together to support Futurestars, a charity that provides education through sports.
The volunteers helped pack and prepare sports kits, clothing, educational books, and sports equipment for underfunded schools in Ghana and Togo.
Futurestars provides sports and physical education sessions that are run by qualified coaches, for schools across West Africa.
Sports kits and equipment were among the items donated _(Image: Futurestars)_ Simon Milton, Futurestars director and former Ipswich Town player, said: "The children who attend our schools in Tema, Ghana, come from some of the poorest communities and previously had no access to PE or sports at school.
"The charity helps to provide an education for many children who would otherwise not be in school.
"Our long-term goal is to improve the life of every child who attends a Futurestars-supported school."
Mr Milton and his team have collected kit donations from Premier League clubs such as Ipswich Town and Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as other sports clothing and equipment from across the country.
Former Ipswich Town man Simon Milton _(Image: Newsquest)_
He said: "We’ve been very grateful for the donations received to date, and to the team of volunteers in Ipswich, who have helped us to sort and properly prepare the goods, ready for shipment to West Africa."
Volunteers from businesses, including Mediterranean Shipping Company (UK) Ltd, Cory Brothers, Bluestem Group, and Sackers, all contributed to the effort.
Futurestars, funded by corporate donors, provides a combination of sports and PE coaching, regular refurbishment projects, and direct funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Future Leaders School in Accra, Ghana.
The shipment will leave London Gateway Port and will make its way to Tema, Ghana.