Supporters Club committee member Chris Latham received his ‘mystery box’ from FGR recently and found it contained, amongst other things, a full goalkeeper’s kit.  Having posted as a joke on an episode of the Heavens Devils Podcast that he might give the kit an outing at the home play-off leg against Newport, Chris found himself committed to wearing it.  Forest Green Rovers confirmed on social media that a safety team had been instructed that they should only let Chris into the ground if he was wearing the full kit.  Regular reminders from fellow supporters reinforced the fact that he couldn’t back down.

Resigned to his fate, Chris decided to use it as an opportunity to raise money for Kit Aid, who provide new and used kits and equipment to communities in developing countries.  A JustGiving page was launched on the day of the game with Chris hoping to raise at least £18 (the equivalent cost of his ticket).  Chris was blown away by the fact that the Forest Green community donated over £300 to the cause.  Chris commented “I never expected to reach that amount and it’s a reflection of the generosity and kindness of the Forest Green supporters and that’s what this is all about. It’s not about me looking silly in a full kit, it’s about how brilliant this fan base is. It’s not just the money, but the good-natured jokes and kind words at the ground too.”

Kit Aid were very grateful for the fans’ contribution, thanked them for the money raised and wished the club good luck for next season.  Kit Aid has been established for 21 years and has sent over 700,000 pieces of kit and equipment to kids and adults in 55 countries across the world.  Their work was inspired by the sight of bare-footed children playing with footballs made of tied string and plastic bags in Tanzania.  You can find out more about the work that Kit Aid do at https://kitaid.net/

Well done Chris!!