Sporting Chance International began life as “Sports Equipment to Kenya”. In July of 1998, Alan Thomas travelled by invitation to Nairobi with his son, Matthew. They spent two weeks coaching football on a church compound in Umoja, a city suburb. The site was rough, bumpy and grassless, but everyday nearly a hundred boys turned up. The boys were having regular coaching from Steve Mucheru who was struggling with poor facilities and just two footballs. Steve played for Kenyan Super League side KCC. His passion, coaching ability and organisational skills were exemplary. His standards were exactly what we wanted to see replicated across the country.

This first trip highlighted the immense need and clear benefits of providing kit, balls and encouragement. Further trips in 1999 and 2000 were used to build our experience and widen our sphere of influence. We were working with contacts as far afield as Mombasa, Nakuru and Garissa. In 2001 it was decided to form Sporting Chance International. We created a trust with five trustees, three of whom remain, and became a registered charity.

In 2005 the charity became a recognised Non Government Organisation (NGO) in Kenya, where there is a separate, hard working and well qualified board of trustees. In Kenya SCI enjoys a reputation of being one of the success stories in its field.