Chitipa District is divided into 14 educational zones. Each zone has about 15 primary schools. A 5 day basic football coaching course was held at Chitipa Secondary School which 50 teachers attended. The course covered Speed, Agility and Quickness Drills using recycled materials and a format on how to deliver the basics of football based on limited resources. Warm ups, skill progressions and small sided games were focused on. Three sports teachers were invited from each zone with their transport, food and accommodation provided. On competition of the course the trained teachers were challenged to return to their zones and deliver the course to the other schools. Rowland Harawa the Chitipa District Sports Officer supported the courses and monitored the 'roll out' phase. Each school received a football for taking part so 175 primary schools were impacted. 

200 footballs and training manuals were provided by a £1000 donation from the Alnwick Lions Club.  

Andy had first met Rowland in 2016. Rowland had organised the basic football course in terms of inviting teachers and sorting out the logistics. Andy spent three further days mentoring Rowland in terms of follow up activities. Three sessions were held at Nachiwe Primary School each with 30 children to give Rowland an insight in how to deliver a quality sports session. Cricket, netball and volleyball were included. This was also to gauge the enthusiasm of teachers and children towards these sports. The results were positive and plans for 2018 were initiated. Rowland was challenged to visit the other 13 primary schools during the year and deliver similar sessions. His feedback would be vital in planning the 2018 trip.    

Andy met Wachisa for the first time in 2016. Andy was immediately impressed by his enthusiasm and dedication in supporting football development in Chitipa. Wachisa is the General Secretary of the Chitipa District Football Association, Head Coach of the Chitipa U15 squad and representative of the Football Association of Malawi / FIFA Chitipa. He lives and breathes football development. He and other coaches like him are a valuable resource in Chitipa and need to be supported in their efforts. We met members of a variety of sports committees in Chitipa to gauge what was already happening, what obstacles were in the way and what was required in terms of further support.  Chitipa certainly had the people to contribute positively to this project. Wachisa's feedback over the coming year would shape the 2018 trip a huge amount.