A football coach and father keen to share his love of sport is on a mission to get football boots to children in India.

Jason Dennison, who has been a coach at Durrington Football Club in Wiltshire for the past four years, was first inspired when he visited a group of underprivileged children on the grounds of  Marlborough College.

Surrounded by a stunning wealthy background and armed with a career in insurance, Jason was shocked to learn of the hardships faced by young footballers in poverty.

“It was a very humbling experience,” said the coach.

“Talking with them, I learned of the deprivations they face on a daily basis. Even when playing football, many of them play barefoot.

“I think having my own ten-year-old son who goes through football boots at an alarming rate, brought home to me just how fortunate we are in this country and it made me even more determined to do something to help.”

Hoping to use his own privilege for good, Jason has now partnered with OSCAR Foundation, which helps young people in low-income communities in India through sport.

With support from OSCAR Foundation and insurance broker Lycetts, Jason will fly to Mumbai on January 24, to deliver football kits donated by locals in Wiltshire to underprivileged children, as well as offer coaching sessions.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Wiltshire dad and football coach, Jason Dennison, was 'humbled and shocked' by how many young footballers don't have access to adequate kit.Wiltshire dad and football coach, Jason Dennison, was 'humbled and shocked' by how many young footballers don't have access to adequate kit. (Image: Lycetts)

“We’ve named the mission Marlborough to Mumbai. My goal is to donate as much football kit as possible, whilst also raising funds to support the great work being done by the OSCAR Foundation,” explained Jason.

“People in Wiltshire have already kindly donated a lot of football kit, but we are still in need of football boots. Any size will do, and if anyone can help, they can contact me on 07843 632861.”

As well as taking donations, the football coach has also launched a fundraising page for those wishing to contribute financially instead of physically.

Benefact Group, the parent company of Lycetts which has been supporting Jason in his endeavour, has promised to match any financial donations made by the public in an effort to increase support for the cause.

OSCAR Foundation is a Sports for Development organisation that uses football as a powerful tool to help empower children and teach them essential life skills while nurturing responsibility.

Since forming in 2010, the foundation has worked with over 15,000 young people in low-income communities in India.