Marathon challenge to help football star’s foundation

LISBURN man Johnny McKinstry will run the Paris Marathon later this month to raise vital funds for a cause incredibly close to his heart.

Johnny, 26, is the Academy Manager of the Craig Bellamy Football Academy in Sierra Leone.

Liverpool star Craig formed the CBF League in 2009, with the Academy opening its doors in August 2010. The Foundation is a charity that offers children in Sierra Leone the chance to achieve their potential through sport and education.

Johnny, a former Pond Park Primary and Wallace High pupil, has been with the academy since January 2010, when he was initially appointed as Technical Director.

Having long considered taking on a marathon, the local sports enthusiast has decided to attempt to raise at least £2,500 ($4,000) by taking on the 26.2 mile marathon in Paris on April 15.

“A marathon is something I have always liked the idea of. I just decided it was time to start liking the practical side of it as opposed to the theory” Johnny said from Sierra Leone.

“I’ve been fitting in training when I can. My days are pretty full here, and an added challenge is that I am on the football pitch coaching in the morning and late afternoon when it is cooler, so I have to run in the middle of the day when the sun is right overhead and temperatures are topping 32 degrees - thankfully it will be a bit cooler in Paris.”

Johnny said that while he is enjoying his time in Sierra Leone, life in the country is a constant battle for people there, with many children not making it to their fifth birthday.

“Since coming here in 2010 I have enjoyed the experience,” said Johnny. “It has been challenging at times, but the kids we work with through the foundation are great and I have some great colleagues here. We face new challenges every day, so it keeps you on your toes, but it’s definitely enjoyable.

“Life is a constant challenge for children in Sierra Leone. The rate of child mortality in this country is one of the worst in the world with many kids not making it until their fifth birthday. For those who do survive, the simple things we take for granted in the developed world are often not afforded to them such as basic health care, education, and even a regular meal. Most kids would be lucky if they ate once a day. Sadly even this proves to be too much in some households.”

Johnny, a respected coach in the footballing world, became involved with the Craig Bellamy Foundation when he was contacted by Foundation reps when the Academy was being planned in 2009. Since its formation, Wales international Bellamy has given over £1 million of his own money towards the project, which featured in a recent documentary.

Johnny said: “I was contacted by a representative of the Foundation back in 2009 when everything was still in the planning phase. It seemed like a great challenge and an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone at the same as making a difference in the world.

“Craig is very enthusiastic about his Foundation, and what he is doing is providing a better life for thousands of children across Sierra Leone. It is so easy for many people to turn and look the other direction, but Craig decided to do something. That alone should be applauded.

“He has, and continues to be in regular contact with us, as well as coming out to Sierra Leone at least once every year. He will once again be visiting us for a couple of weeks in August.”

The local coach has many years of experience, having started his coaching career locally before studying Applied Sport Science at university in England.

Johnny explained: “I started coaching when I was 16, coaching on a number of IFA Mini Soccer Centres and Summer Fun weeks alongside Ken Duncan, who is still a mainstay of the local youth football scene. As well as this I was always around Distillery FC helping wherever I could, including coaching at their then Centre of Excellence - I have been a Distillery fan since the age of 10.

“I then moved on to coach at Newcastle United FC in England in their youth department for a few years, before moving to New York to coach in the New York Red Bulls Academy system.”

Johnny added: “The money I raise from the marathon will go towards funding the creation of two new clubs within the CBF development leagues in Sierra Leone, which among other things will provide Academic scholarships for 80 children who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend school. So far I have raised $1100 and hope to raise at least $4,000 (£2,500).”

For further information on Johnny’s work with the Craig Bellamy Foundation or to make a donation towards his marathon challenge, you can visit his fundraising page at www.johnnymckinstry.com.

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