Products with the Fairtrade logo are getting a right kicking in Castleisland lately.
Bystanders on the sidelines are encouraging the kickers and supplying the kicked.
But that’s good – the kicked are footballs – which, by their purchase and use here, are providing better standards of living for the stitchers in communities in places like Pakistan.
Castleisland and Ballyhar Clubs
“Fairtraders of Castleisland Community College are promoting Fairtrade footballs and they are now being used on the new Astro Turf Soccer Pitch in Castleisland Community College,” said promoter, and college teacher, Doreen Killington.
“They are being used for PE classes and soccer training and both Castleisland and Ballyhar Soccer Clubs have also agreed to use these footballs,” Ms. Killington continued.
“A Fairtrade soccer training football costs €20 which is comparable to the price of a normal ball.
30 Cent Per Ball
“Seventy five percent of the world’s hand stitched soccer balls are made in Pakistan and a stitcher typically makes three footballs per day earning a mere 30 cent per football.
“A stitcher making up Fairtrade footballs earns 50 cent per ball.
“The extra 60 cent per day earned by working for the Fairtrade supplier, Balasport, allows families to educate their children and to buy bags and school books.”
Water Filtration System
“Access to clean water has been a problem but with the Fairtrade premium, a water filtration system has been set up in communities supported by Fairtrade – supported by you,” Ms. Killington concluded.
The balls are made to the same standards as those used by FIFA, Workers are paid an extra 10% to make the Fairtrade Bala balls and they also decide democratically on what social development schemes to spend it on.
Fairtrade footballs and more information can be found on line with a click on the link here: Balasport.co.uk
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