SPORTS fans from the region have come to the aid of an African football team after their coach launched an appeal for kit.

Jonathan Laverick, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, graduated in maths at Durham University 12 years ago, but left the region to teach in Botswana.

The Sunderland AFC fan found himself coaching second division Amagents FC, and set about finding kit for the junior teams.

Mr Laverick said that, after he launched his appeal in The Northern Echo last September, he has had offers of help from all over the world.

He said: “The article in The Northern Echo was the start of a really exciting few months for Amagents FC.

“Not only has the club benefited directly from several offers of help from the North-East, but it led to a surprising amount of worldwide coverage.

“For more than a week, we were the lead story on Yahoo Sports’ soccer page in the US, pushing David Beckham and LA Galaxy’s play-offs into second place.”

Kit is steadily arriving in Botswana, including boots from Mount Pleasant Rangers Junior FC, in Darlington, and a large amount of kit collected by pupils at the Billingham Campus School, on Teesside.

The club’s under-17s are sitting comfortably at the top of their league and the first team has won five in six games.

“We are really grateful for the help of all the students who contributed,” said Mr Laverick “The only disappointment is that, despite the huge interest generated and the help we have received, we still have not attracted a sponsor.

“This has got to be our main priority for 2010 to ensure the club continues to exist.”

Anyone who can help with kit or sponsorship is asked to contact 0026-774-244826 or email amagentsfc@ ymail.com, or visit Amagents FC on Facebook.