Linfield Football Club is honoured to have played a small but meaningful role in bringing joy and hope to children in Ethiopia, through a recent kit donation to Hope365 Ethiopia, a missionary partner of Victoria Evangelical Hall in Carrickfergus.

The initiative was sparked by an appeal from Mr. Michael Holmes of Hope365 Ethiopia, who reached out to Pastor Drew Hamill at Victoria Evangelical Hall. Michael shared how street children in Ethiopia—many of whom face heartbreaking levels of poverty—find joy in one of the few comforts available to them: football.

These children play barefoot in the streets, often without access to basic necessities, and for many, owning a football jersey or proper kit was only a dream. That’s when Mr. Drew McCoubrey, a member of the Victoria Evangelical Hall congregation, lifelong Linfield supporter, and former club director, contacted our Head of Academy, Glenn Ferguson, to see if the club could help.

Glenn didn’t hesitate. Within two weeks, he had gathered a collection of old kits from the Academy, which were delivered to Victoria Evangelical Hall and then sent to Ethiopia.

We were delighted to hear that the donation was warmly received. The feedback has been humbling—these kits are now more than just clothing. They have become symbols of hope, unity, and encouragement for the children who received them. The photos shared with us by Michael Holmes, showing the children’s joy at wearing their new kits, are truly moving.

We at Linfield FC are proud to have been part of this initiative. It’s our privilege to contribute to efforts that make a real difference in the lives of others—especially children in such vulnerable situations. We’re incredibly grateful to Victoria Evangelical Hall and Hope365 Ethiopia for making this connection possible and for their continued dedication to these communities.

On behalf of everyone at the club, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Pastor Drew Hamill, Michael Holmes, and Mr. Drew McCoubrey for their roles in coordinating this effort. We look forward to the possibility of future partnerships that can bring further support to those in need.

Audaces Fortuna Juvat
Fortune Favours the Brave