THREE film students from the region have returned home after filming the “other” Sunderland AFC – 4,500 miles away from the Stadium of Light.
David Kenny, Matt Ward and Kevin Clift – who study at Sunderland University – are currently editing their documentary based on the Sunderland AFC Keroche football side from the village of Karai, in the Rift Valley province of Kenya.
The football club not only carries the name and wears the red and white stripes of the Black Cats on patchy grass under the baking sun, but also benefits from the goodwill of the people of Wearside.
Sunderland AFC Keroche formed in 2006 as a youth team and adopted the name because of the number of African footballers who have played in the red and white of Sunderland AFC in recent years.
The students’ week-long stay in the Kenyan village of Karai included having a goat sacrificed for the crew and travelling sponsors, a pitch invasion as the team came from behind to snatch a last-gasp winner, and discovering how an orphanage is benefiting from North East generosity.
The three students crammed filming into a gruelling schedule so they would have enough material for their dissertation project, and to impress companies for possible future employment.
Kevin Clift, 24, a media production television and radio student from Stanley, County Durham, said: “It’s amazing how much progress has been made over the short period of time the club has been existence. We are beginning to see the benefits and how they are getting better. There are plans to build a running track, also available to the local school. The whole club, school and local orphanage has a massive community feel to it.”
The club, now in its sixth season, took its name thanks to the number of African footballers that have represented the Wearside club. “Keroche” was added due to Keroche Breweries being just outside of Karai and financial backing from the brewery itself.
By chance, Sunderland fan Gary Lamb came across the team on Facebook and instantly wanted to help the penniless club. Gary, who is now honorary president of the club, urged Sunderland fans to donate their old kit.
The aim of the club was to help prevent local youths from falling into crime. The three students heard of the remarkable story and met Gary, after which they were so inspired that they immediately got involved and are now hoping to premiere their feature film this summer.
Matt Ward, a media production television and radio student, said: “We were all welcomed with open arms, from having a whole school singing for us and even having a goat sacrificed!” David Kenny, a digital film production student added: “No one turned us down to be involved or interviewed – everyone wanted to be involved and to know why there was a film crew there.
“There was an enormous excitement about the whole filming. It isn’t about the poverty, it’s just a beautiful story and we want people in England to see that and how much good work and what a difference the North East people are making.”
The media students are making the documentary as part of their final year dissertation for their production company, The Unlikely Lads. They also confirmed that if they make any profit from the final edit then 25% will go back to the team and community.
