WHEN football chairman George Reynolds found an African team had taken on his club's name he pledged to put the boot in.

Not just one boot but 200 of them because, while the young Kenyan Quakers were deeply grateful when the big-hearted soccer boss sent them a shipment of football strips for the team, it seemed greedy to mention they had only one pair of boots between them.

Mr Reynolds only learned how the youngsters from Vingujini Primary School had to go barefoot in the park when their headmaster sent photographs and a letter of thanks.

The snaps showed the players bursting with pride in their new strips but they also revealed a distinct shortage of footwear.

Darlington's namesake team is based in the village of Msambweni and plays in a league which includes neighbouring rivals Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

They took on the name after their director of education, on a visit to Britain, was taken to a Darlington match by Harry Steckles, of Catterick.

Since that time, Mr Steckles along with Peter Phillips, the owner of the Morritt Arms, in Greta Bridge, have not only visited the village but have also helped raise funds for the impoverished community.

Mr Phillips said: "Each village tries to get a team together. They train, play in a league of sorts and call themselves names like Manchester United and, now, Darlington.''

Despite their famous names, however, most teams do not have strips. "To have their own shirts and shorts gives the Msambweni team a big boost, they would love boots but that's another story.''

But yesterday this became a true story when Mr Reynolds promised a consignment of trainers for the young African team, along with more shirts and tracksuits.

He also appealed to anyone with any old trainers to drop them off at either the visitor's centre at the new stadium, in Neasham Road, or the shop at the Feethams ground.

"My wife Susan has donated the first pair and we will be sending all of them with Harry and Peter on their next trip in the New Year.''

Touched by the thank-you letter from headteacher Mr MH Zitto, he added: "We take things for granted in this country and don't have the first idea of what real poverty is.''

From his remote village Mr Zitto, however, has heard of Darlington and told its chairman: "Mr Peter and Mr Harry say you build a big stadium for your team. You are very generous. Thank you for being generous to us in Kenya too.'