Derry supporters dig deep to help disadvantaged children in Armenia
Supporters dig deep to help disadvantaged children in Armenia
A group of Derry City supporters have enlisted the FAI to help some of the orphaned children of Yerevan while visiting Armenia for the First Qualifying Round of this year’s Champions League.
When Derry City FC drew Armenian outfit FC Pyunik in the First Qualifying Round of this years Champions League draw most Derry City supporters' thoughts focused immediately on how to get to Yerevan and to the match.
However, in the weeks following the draw many of the clubs supporter's thoughts have now concentrated on other things.
Since Armenia became a sovereign state, it has been hit by some harsh realities. The collapse of the country's economy and natural disasters have left many children as orphans, often in orphanages that receive little or no state funding.
The recently formed Derry City FC Community Trust contacted the Football Association of Ireland to see what could be done to help give something back to some of the most disadvantaged children in Armenia.
On the day of the big game the Derry City FC Community Trust will visit the Zatik Orphanage in Yerevan. The travelling fans will bring gifts donated by Derry City fans and the Football Association of Ireland that will hopefully bring a smile to the faces of some of the forgotten children.
Niall Conway, representing the Derry City FC Community Trust said:
“As a football club, Derry City has always been seen as a community club and we think it is now time that our own community of supporters reaches out to help another community in need.”
Noel Martin, Club Promotions Officer of Derry City Football Club commented:
“Derry City Football Club are fully supportive of this fantastic gesture by our fans. Our own staff and players have also agreed to donate gifts to the orphanage which will be brought with us to Yerevan for the fans to distribute during their visit.”
A highlight of the visit is sure to be the match between representatives of the Community Trust and children from the orphanage.
http://www.derrycitytrust.org
http://www.derrycitytrust.org/images/armenia_kids.jpg
