A SIXTH form student from West Devon will be flying to Zambia next week in a challenge to coach football to the local children.

Alex Shephard, a sports academy student at Kelly College, will be coaching a children's football team in Zambia to put into practice the skills he has learned from his national diploma course at the college.

He has raised sponsorship for the young team from completing the 55-mile Ten Tors challenge and will use the funds to order a new football kit with the team insignia.

He is now trying to raise money to pay for new football boots for all team members.

Alex, 17, is delighted to be part of the challenge and has made all the arrangements himself.

He said: 'I will be able to use this experience towards my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award and also put into practice the coaching techniques I have learned on the national diploma course.

'The brilliant thing about the sports diploma I am taking is the flexibility it gives me to participate in projects such as this, without compromising my academic studies.'

The team Alex will be coaching and is fundraising for is the Muluse Pioneers, a team set up by Tavistock man and former Kelly College student Paul Barnes when he went to Zambia to work.

The Muluse Pioneers play in a local league and struggle to afford kit, money for travel and new training equipment.

Alex said: 'If I can help to make a difference, no matter how small, it will be hugely rewarding for both the team and myself.'

Alex will be flying to Zambia on Monday May 31.

Anyone who would like to sponsor him can send donations to Alex Shephard, c/o Kelly College, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 0HZ.