African footballers play in Dumfries and Galloway kits thanks to Glasgow Uni scientists
Researchers have donated amateur club kits to help communities in Malawi
African communities are heading onto football pitches in rural Malawi, wearing some strips that Dumfries and Galloway locals might recognise.
Scientists from the University of Glasgow have donated amateur club kits to give to players while they carry out research on sleeping sickness, which affects many communities in Malawi.
The team of researchers were told by locals that the best way to raise awareness for their study was to hold football matches for everyone to come along to.
They will also be working with local theatres and produce a stage show to raise awareness for the illness, which caused by a parasite and spread by a fly.
Drawing in new crowds
Dr Walt Adamson, from Dalbeattie, is one of the scientists involved with the project.
The Doonhamer says it's a good way to interact with people who wouldn't normally engage with science: "We were told by some of the Malawian guys that we work with that the best way to draw a crowd for the stage shows would be to also have a football match.
"The same guys also told us that there weren't very many resources available for local teams, and not much kit.
"I got in touch with the Scottish Football Supporters Association for some help and Paul Goodwin, who leads it, suggested I got in touch with Ross Corbett from Dumfries.
"I'm a Queen of the South fan so I already knew Ross, and he ended up giving me loads of kit from Dumfries amateur clubs.
"We now have a situation where we have the likes of the Doonhamers Travel Club playing against the Hole in the Wa' Inn on rural pitches in Malawi."
Positive impact
Dr Adamson was overcome by the difference the kits had made in the community.
He said: "It really struck me when I handed it over, just how important it was for these teams.
"The absolute delight from these guys to receive it was so humbling and it's been an undoubtedly rewarding project.
"It's also struck me that doing something fairly simple can make a real difference and we're now looking at ways we can get more kits, and extend it out to other sports as well.
"I've already had quite a few football clubs getting in touch saying that they'd like to donate more kit."
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